Minister’s Resignation Accepted By Premier

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22821, 16 December 1948, Page 5

Minister’s Resignation Accepted By Premier

(10 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 15. Mr. John Belcher, Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade, sent a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr. C. R. Attlee, announcing his resignation, which Mr. Attlee accepted. Mr. Belcher wrote: “I have completed my evidence before the tribunal and had the opportunity of repudiating the allegations which have been made against my probity to you who trusted me- I know it is not necessary to repeat that my decisions never have been influenced in any way by any gift or promise. “I have, however, realised that my acceptance of gifts and hospitality was conduct incompatible with the maintenance of the high respect for His Majesty's Ministers which is an essential part of Britain's political life.

“I cannot fully express the regret T feel that indiscretions of mine should have done harm to the party to which I have been so proud to belong and whose interests I hope to serve in the future.”

Mr. Attlee, in reply, said: "I am certain you have taken the right course in offering to resign. I greatly regret the circumstances which have made it necessary for you to do this and for me to accept your resignation.”