BRITISH CABINET

Grey River Argus, 11 June 1935, Page 6

BRITISH CABINET

THE CHANGES. OFFICIAL VERSION. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 8. The reconstruction of the Cabinet was effected with remarkable expedition, and minimum excitement. During the afternoon Mr Ramsay MacDonald was adressing the House of Commons on the defence questions, as Prime Minister. On leaving the House, he drove to Buckingham Palace, and within the next 24 hours all formalities in connection with the change over were completed, and the new Prime Minister had issued his Cabinet list. Liberals and Nationals have an additional seat, owing to the advancement of Mr Ernest Brown to be Minister of Labour. The Conservatives, also have one additional Cabinet Minister. The average age of members of Cabinet is 54 years, compared with 57 in the late Cabinet. The reduction is due mainly to the promotion of three Members who are in the thirties. The youngest member is Mr Malcolm . MacDonald, 33. Mr Edon is 38, and Mr Oliver Stanley 39. Tn the nek Cabinet, for the first time for 70 years, a father and a son, Ramsay and Malcolm MacDonald, will be members. It is understood that the ex-Priino Minister, whose office ot Lord President, of the Council, is a sinecure, will have special responsibility for the co-ordination of activities of Defence forces, and will be c hairman of the sub-committee of the Committee of Imperial Defence.

Lord Zetland has issued the follow ing statement on taking office as Sec retary of India: I am naturally grati tied at the apporunity of being associated once more in so intimate a manner with the destinies of India. 1. realise that the future Constitution is already in. shape, and that the task which' falls to my lot is not to draft the measure, but rather to aid in piloting the existing Bill through the final stages to the Statute book, and thereafter to join with Lord Willingdon in bringing the new form of Government into operation. The credit for the bill will remain for all time with Sir S. Hoare. Perhaps I should add it has always been my view that, reasonable continuity of policy is essential in relations between Britain and India. In this case, continuity will be easy and natural, for my views and those of Sir S. Hoare on the question of Indian Constitution have been formed in almost complete sympathy with one another, during a long process of investigation at round table conferences, and by the joint select committee, in which he and I have taken part. I do not underestimate the difficulties of the task before me, but from the sympathy of many personal friends, whom I am fortunate enough to * possess in India, I shall hope to derive encouragement and strength.