MR ATTLEE GIVEN UNITED PARTY SUPPORT IN MEETING CRISIS

Greymouth Evening Star, 31 July 1947, Page 7

MR ATTLEE GIVEN UNITED PARTY SUPPORT IN MEETING CRISIS

(Rec. 11 a.m.) LONDON, July 30

The Prime Minister, Mr Attlee, told a private meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party today that the Government would make a full statement in the House of Commons next week on the measures which it would take to meet Britain’s immediate economic difficulties arising from the adverse balance of overseas payments.

A party press statement said the meeting assured Mr Attlee of the united support of the party in all the measures thought necessary and expressed complete satisfaction with Mr Attlee’s statement.

Reuter’s lobby correspondent says it is significant that the meeting unanimously approved the press statement in these terms before it was issued. It seems evident that no serious body of critics is likely to be found in the Government’s own ranks. The Evening News political correspondent says that if Mr Attlee listeps to the advice of those who believe that only a Minister of Mr Ernest Bevin’s stature can restore the nation’s confidence, Mr Bevin may be

offered a post giving him virtual control of the economic drive. It is known, however, that Mr Bevin would prefer to retain his present office of Foreign Secretary, at least until the Marshall aid talks have produced results. It is understood that Mr Bevin and the Minister of Defence, Mr A. V. Alexander, are opposing any big cuts in the forces.

Mr Attlee, Mr Bevin, Mr Herbert Morrison, Dr Dalton, Mr Shinwell and Mr Isaacs met this afternoon at 10 Downing street members of the National Coal Board and representatives of the National Union of Mineworkers. The board and union representatives emphasised their- desire and intention to increase the coal output and agree to examine as a matter of urgency all the suggestions raised.