CABINET CHANGES IN BRITAIN

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21183, 2 November 1938, Page 7

CABINET CHANGES IN BRITAIN

Lord Runciman in Office Enhanced Status for Mr Macdonald Eve of Important Debates CENSURE MOTION LIKELY British Official Wireless RUGBY, October 31. It is officially announced that his Majesty the King has accepted the resignation of the Lord President of the Council (Lord Hailsham) and approved the following appointments: Lord President of the Council, Lord Runciman. Lord Privy Seal, Sir John Anderson. Secretary of State for Dominions. Mr Malcolm Macdonald. In the letters exchanged between Lord Hailsham and the Prime Minister, the former makes it clear that his resignation is not due to any difference of opinion, or divergence over policy, and was actuated solely by a desire to leave at Mr Chamberlain’s disposal a post W’hich does not involve the adminsitration of any great Department of State, and so increase his opportunity for, wider reinforcement of the Cabinet. Mr Macdonald will retain his Colonial Secretaryship and the size of the Cabinet Is thus reduced by one. Press Speculation In speculation on Cabinet reconstruction in the Press in recent weeks, Sir John Anderson’s name has been frequently mentioned in connection with the office of Lord Privy Seal on the assumption that his services would be used within the Government, particularly in relation to questions affecting what is loosely described as national service. Parliament will re-assemble to-mor-row and the Cabinet held a special meeting to-day. It is expected that there will be a general debate in the House of Commons lasting three days which will range over the immediate past, and future, or international affairs, as well as defence questions. The newspapers anticipate that Mr Chamberlain will himself deal with the international side of the debates, defending his own policy and explaining any developments which it may undergo. “The Daily Telegraph” welcomes Lord Runciman’s appointment and pays a tribute to Lord Hailsham's service. It regards the choice of Sir John Anderson as significant and propitious and adds that nobody is better qualified to correct the lack of drive in air raid precautions. The newspaper cites correspondents who point out that a National Register and national service are essential for security and advocates the creation of a Ministry of National Service which would be responsible for the whole organisation of civilian defence covering the entire population. Labour Challenge An answer to a Labour motion on air raids precautions will be made by the Home Secretary (Sir Samuel Hoare). Lord Hailsham, as Sir Douglas Hogg, served in two Governments as Attor-ney-General and he was Secretary of State for War, 1931-35. He was Lord Chancellor, 1935-37. Sir John Anderson was formerly Governor of Bengal. He entered the Colonial Office In 1905 and was Permanent Under-Secretary of State for the Home Office, 1922-32. POLITICAL ACTIVITIES EVE OF IMPORTANT DEBATES United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 31. The Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) will make a statement in the House of Commons on Tuesday outlining his plans for rectifying defence weaknesses, but is unlikely to attempt a detailed explanation of future steps for appeasement with tvhich, many point out, rearmament does not conflict. The political correspondent of "The Daily Telegraph” states that the Opposition will move an adjournment of the opening debate with an examination of "the political and economic consequences of the Munich agreement.” The Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) will speak first, the Prime Minister replying probably at 4.40 p.m. The debate will resume on Wednesday and a Labour censure motion based on charges of Inadequacy in civilian defence will be debated on Thursday.