THE BRITISH BUDGET

Evening Star, Issue 22364, 13 June 1936, Page 15

THE BRITISH BUDGET

COMMONS DEBATE OH LEAKAGE PRESS SYMPATHETIC TBWARDS MR THOMAS PreM Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, June 12. The Press throughout the country deals sympathetically with Mr Thomas. It believes the inquiry will have a good result, and it pays a tribute to the dignity and humaneness of the House of Commons in a painful duty. ‘The Times’ says: “The House of Commons is the least vindictive assembly in the world. It requires expiation when the standards of public conduct are violated, but when expiation is made it tolerates no attempt to exacerbate or wound. Mr Thomas repeated his denial that he consciously betrayed a- Budget secret. The House was free to accept and did accept this disclaimer since the tribunal refrained from any such imputation, and the country will be satisfied with the word of so well-known and trusted public servant. On the other hand, Mr Thomas, in loyalty to the House and it* tribunal, accepted the findings, which, the House also accepted. Mr •Thomas remains, therefore, under the imputation of betraying a secret even inadvertently and the Parliamentary code requires immolation even for so venial a transgression. Mr Thomas, by resigning his seat, gives adhesion to the code.”

The ‘ Daily Herald ’ commends the Labour Party for its effort to turn the situation to public advantage. It says: “ Where a is wanted is in the city.” The ‘ Manchester Guardian ’ says: “ The public will feel the greatest sympathy for Mr Thomas, but to most people the really disturbing thing is the revelation of the length to which the gambling spirit will go and the city’s facilities for it.” SIR ALFRED BUTT RESIDING LONDON, June 12. (Received June 13, at 1.30 a.m.) Sir Alfred Butt sent a letter to the local Conservative Association intimat-, ing that he was resigning from the House of Commons.