GOOD HUMOUR PREVAILS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23215, 31 May 1945, Page 5

GOOD HUMOUR PREVAILS

House Of Commons In Session Mr Churchill Scores N.Z.P.A.—Special Correspondent LONDON, May 29. Easy laughter and a delight in seeing former colleagues of the War Cabinet now on opposite sides of the* House exchanging thrusts and counter-thrusts made for a friendly atmosphere at Parliament’s first sitting after the Whitsun recess. In that recess, of course, the nowfamous Coalition Government was broken up and was replaced by Mr Churchills ''Caretaker” Government, but the business of the House was continued as usual, with the exception that Labour and Liberal Ministers squeezed into places on the Opposition front benches, and faced their colleagues of the last five years. It was a packed House with practically every bench filled, and most of the galleries were occupied. The first hour was devoted as usual to questions. and as each Minister or former Minister arrived he was greeted with cheers. Mr Churchill arrived at the time when Sir James Grigg was answering a barrage of fire about the War Office, and was being barracked to “speak up.” Mr Churchill’s entry helped to relieve the Secretary of State for War of the momentary embarrassment. Mr Herbert Morrison was the first of the former Ministers to ask questions of Mr Churchill. He wanted to know how 7 quickly Goering would be dispatched, and the Prime Minister, to the accompaniment of a volley of cheers and chuckles, replied: “I do not know any more than I did the day before yesterday.” Prolonged Laughter Mr Ernest Bevin was the next to cross swords when Scottish disapproval of the appointment of the Earl of Rosebery as Secretary of State tor Scotland was being aired. M» Bevin asked whether the appointment of a peer indicated lack of ability among men in the Government and again Mr Churchill had a pat answer. “The Right Honourable Gentleman Is in as good a position as I am to judge that—having for so long enjoyed their support.” Every member was delighted, and there was a prolonged roar of laughter.

After Mr Anthony Eden had referred to the serious situation in Syria, Mr C. R. Attic? rose to ask questions about future business. He, too, was told to “speak up,” but there was no need to make the same request for Mr Eden’s clear voice was heard distinctly in the chamber which is notorious for its acoustics.

Mr Eden was quickly involved in a wordy clash with Mr Morrison when the latter learned that there might be no time before the election to introduce the former Home Secretary’s Bill on the transition of controls. To another roar of laughter Mr Morrison demanded: “Cannot this Government make up its mind about anything?” Mr Eden had already explained that there might be insufficient time, and retorted: “One moment the Honourable Gent’eman says we have got no mind, and when we express cur mind, he complains of it.” From now on the vexed question of holiday-makers not being able to vote was discussed, and there were continual cries of "order” and a number of interjections. “Worsened Manners” Mr Morrison was heard demanding chat Mr Churchill should speak up, and Mr Churchill to remark “The Honourable Gentleman seems to have come out of the Home Office with worsened manners.”

Many more points were mad? about holiday-makers, particularly in Lancashire and Scotland, being unable to vote, and Mr Churchill declared his willingness to discuss the whole question with ‘those of the other side.” All these exchanges continued in an atmosphere of good humour until, amid a general uproar caused by exchanges as to whether the election should be held a another time, a member called out: "Beaverbrook is your boss.”

Apparently Mr Churchill thought the word "blackmail” had been used, and lather pink and frowning he asked Mr Speaker whether this was in order. When it was clear that there had been a misunderstanding, good humour returned. One suggested that there was no need for any heat to be engendered. Mr Churchill replied: "No heat is engendered in my mind. In fact, I rather enjoy these occasions.” The House enjoyed the occasion, too, with its unusual background to the business as usual—which also included the introduction of new members.

When the House went on to debate the coal situation everything seemed so “usual” that a majority of the benches quickly emptied.