Must Do as He’s Told!

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 287, 4 December 1936, Page 7

Must Do as He’s Told!

Portentioiss love in Commons

YORKS ARRIVE IN LONDON MRS SIMPSON’S SILENCE Received Friday, 2.15 a.m. . LONDON, Dec. S. Professor Harold Laski, Professor of Political Science at the University of London, in an anticle in the Daily Herald, says: “The Iving’s constitutional position is that he must act on the advice of his Ministers unless he can secure other Ministers who are, firstly, able to tender him other advice, and secondly, are able to command a majority in the Commons. “How far does Cabinet’s right to offer advice extend? The answer is: As far as Cabinet assumes it to be necessary for the purpose oi maintaining confidence. The King and his acts are Cabinet’s acts. Whatever he docs they are responsible for before Parliament. If they cannot accept the responsibility old Ministers have to be recalled and the King will be compelled to accept their advice. “It does not matter what the subject of the advice is, it is always in the discretion of Ministers to tender it. Nothing save the formation of a new Government able to secure a majority in the Commons can justify the King in refusing to do what his Ministers advice him to do. He may plead, urge and argue but th 9 master of policy in the British system is that Cabinet which retains the confidence of the Commons.’’ The Press Association says the situation was more pressing in consequence of recent urgent representations from the Dominions. Mr. Baldwin is moving for the suspension of the Standing Orders in the Commons this afternoon. This is usually a portent that vital matters are to be raised. Gilt-edgeds recovered slightly at the opening dealings on the Stock Exchange. The Duke and Duchess of York arrived at 7.55 hy night train from Scotland in accordance with their original programme. Lord Halifax, leader of the Lords, called on Mr. Baldwin soon after breakfast. Tko Daily Mirror spreads over a page one immense headline: “The King wants to marry Mrs. Simpson. Cabinet advises no.” Other papers publish the most attractive photographs of Mrs. Simpson. The King is negotiating to sell his Canadian ranch to the American explorer Lincoln Ellsworth. Mrs. Simpson declines to comment on the story that she is going abroad for several months.