BUDGET TRIBUNAL

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 200, 21 May 1936, Page 9

BUDGET TRIBUNAL

Witness Admits Signing Untrue Statements REASON FOR ACTION London, May 19. At to-day's sitting of the Budget leakage tribunal, Kenneth Butt, recalled. admitted making a statement on April 24 to his employers which contained a number of untruths, giving the impression that he effected insurances for a Mr. Harrison, whose order was not limited for any specific amounts and rates. In reply to a question by counsel whether lie did not see anything serious in making and signing such an untrue statement. Butt replied. “Yes, I went straight to my father. I had not any motive except to prevent the firm knowing my father was the true owner of the insurances.’’ Philip Ambrumenil, chairman of the firm employing Butt, stated in evidence: “I told Butt I took a serious view of his action in effecting Budget insurances through other brokers without our knowledge or consent. I might have dismissed him, but requested a signed statement, which Butt considered privately before signing, I had no idea that Butt’s father was concerned in the insurances.” Mr. Justice Porter closely questioned Mr. Waterton in relation to a statement concerning Mr. J. 11. Thomas. Waterton explained that he thought Leslie Thomas was a friend of Bernard Davis, stockbroker. “It was nor very ethical.” he said, “but I connected the two and did it entirely on my own.”

Mr. Justice Porter: Having done that you went and told Marriott that the information was from a friend who had a friend who was Mr. J. H. Thomas.

Waterton: Something to that effect. Dr. Reginald Hearn said that Vergottis said he had means of getting hold of information from a member of Cabinet and mentioned Mr. Thomas. Witness regarded it in the nature of gossip, not to be taken seriously. Mr. Morris (appearing for Mr. Thomas) interposed that Vergottis was completely unknown to Mr. Thomas. Mr. Justice Porter said he was grateful to Mr. Thomas for producing his private accounts, but he would also like those with a bookmaker or anything of that kind. Tiie tribunal adjourned. Counsel’s addresses will be made tomorrow.

Reginald Marriott slated in evidence earlier in the inquiry that Mr. Waterton, a member of bis firm of stockbrokers told him he had hoard from a friend named Eves that the income tax was to be increased by 3d., and added that Eves got the information from a friend who was a groat friend of Mr. Thomas. Marriott instructed Wnterton to place £75 in insurance. promising him £lOO if it came off. A man named Vergottis. a financier and former ship owner, said that 'Waterton told him on April 20 about the income tax rise as a rumour Waterton had hear! from his solicitor. Ho obtained insurance for £2500 at £l5/15/- per cent. He afterwards had a discussion with Mr. Randolph Churchill, who regarded a rise of 3d. ns most unlikely, increases being invariably 6d. LEAKAGE IN ULSTER Labour Member’s Complaint Londmi, May 19. Mr. 11. C. .Midgley, a Labour member in the Ulster Parliament, complained of a leakage of the contents of the Budget presented on May 15. He said that newspapers were in possession of the proposals long before the announcement was made in the House and that details were telegraphed to England. The matter was referred to a Committee of Privileges.