BRITISH MINISTER OF FOOD RESIGNS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 122, 29 May 1946, Page 5

BRITISH MINISTER OF FOOD RESIGNS

SIR BEN SMITH “I AM A VERY TIRED MAN” REPORTS THAT HE CHAFED UNDER CRITICISM London. May 27. Sir Ben Smith has resigned as Miniser of Food and Mr. John Strachey has been appointed to succeed him. The “Daily Express” political correspondent says that Sir Ben Smith, for some time, has been angry and restive about storms of criticism over his work at the Ministry of Food, but the last straw’ js believed to have been the fact that Mr. Herbert Morrison was chosen to see President Truman about the food situation. Sir Ben Smith is said to have regarded this as a public slight and hotly resented it. It was noted when Mr. Morrison made a statement regarding his mission in the House of Commons on May 23, that Sir Ben Smith did not take his usual place in the front bench. A Conservative called: “Where is Sir Ben Smith?”

The Socialists replied: “He is not far away.”

The “Daily Mail” says it is understood that Sir Ben Smith three times tried to resign his £5OOO a year post. No labour Minister has been under heavier fire. Inside and outside the Commons he frequently had been at-

tacked. He seemed sensitive to criticism in the House and his replies sometimes were considered abrupt. His successor, Mr. Strachey, is a complete contrast —tall, calm and assured. Already he has made a favourable impression in the House.

An announcement from No. 10 Downing Street cn Sir Ben Smith’s resignation says: “Sir Ben has had a very heavy burden of work and had wished to relinquish office at Easter, but, at the request of the Prime Miniser, stayed on until after Mr. Morrison’s visit to Washington. His resignation is received with regret.”

Sir Ben Smith, in a statement, described his 10 months at the Ministry of Food as very difficult and exhausting. He added: “I was very tired when I asked Mr. Attlee to allow me to relinquish office on April 5, and I am glad he is now able to grant my wish.

“I am sorry I was unable to do more to improve our diet and I hope my successor will have better fortune.” Mr. Geoffrey Defreiths has been appointed Parliamentary Under-Secre-tary for Air in succession to Mr. John Strachey.