APPALLING DECISION

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXVI, Issue 152, 12 June 1936, Page 5

APPALLING DECISION

Sir Alfred Butt Also Resigns His Seat “GRAVE INJUSTICE” (By Telegraph—Press Aasn.—Copyright.) (Received 12, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Juno 11. Sir Alfred Butt also made n statement in the House of Commons regarding the Budget tribunal's finding. His voice was hardly audible. Ho said it. was the most painful occasion on which he had addressed the House, and it would be his last address to this Parliament, “I say emphatically’ that no member of Cabinet has ever consciously, or unconsciously, disclosed to me any confidential information,” said Sir Alfred. “When I heard of the appalling decision of the tribunal, conscious as J was of the grave injustice done me, 1 thought I should have the absolute right of trial by the court, where 1 should have had full notice, of tin charge against me, and where only properly admissible evidence would be given. “Then I hoard there was not to be a prosecution, and my case was not to be heard. 1 had been condemned and apparently must suffer for the rest of my life from findings against which there is no appeal, based on evidence which apparently does not justify a trial. There is no method open to mo by which I can bring the issue before a jury.

“With tho greatest respect, I cannot conceive that tho combined ingenuity of tho Lord Chancellor, tho Home Secretary and tho Attorney-General could not devise a method to bring thizvital issue to the Court, but as they have not devised a method, how cun J ask the House to acquit me J If any good had to come from this the most miserable moment of my life, I hope my position may be something to prevent anybody else being subject to this humiliation. ,

“I feel from the bottom of my heart that I have been the victim of grave injustice. I hope and pray that some means will still be available to enable me to prove my integrity. I propose to apply immediately for the Childcrn Hundreds. i

“Until to-day I had no intention-of resigning, but having regard to Mr Thomas’s action, I feel it would be impossible for me to take up a different position. ’ ’ |

Sir Alfred Butt rose and left his seat and bowed to the Speaker as lie left the House.