IN HOUSE TO-DAY.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 301, 4 December 1936, Page 5

IN HOUSE TO-DAY.

Wish To Avoid King Edward’s Abdication. Received 10.30 a.m. In the House of Commons .to-day, only the Rt. Hons. Walter Runciman, Brown and Kingsley-Wood were on the front bench at the beginning of question 'time. There was an atmosphere of suppressed expectancy when the Rt. Hon. Stanley Baldwin entered at 3.14 p.m. He was received with loud and profound cheers wheii he; rose to answer routine questions. Mr Will Thorne asked: “WhaT is the reason for all 'this cheering?” Amid general laughter, Mr Baldwin’s brief reply was inaudible, but there was renewed laughter among .those around him.

Colonel Wedgwood gave notice of motion that in the opinion of the House, the oath of allegiance 'they had already" taken to King Edward, be not affected by any form of Coronation ceremony or by the presence at it or absence from it of any dignitary or personage whatsoever; nor would they substitute any other personage for the King of England. Explaining the motion Colonel Wedgwood'said: “We have to avoid abdication. Our King is beloved and any change would tear the country in two. If a general election follows the reply of the people would be on the side of the King.” At 3.47 p.m. Major Atleq’, Leader of the Opposition, asked if any statement, could be made regarding 'the constitutional difficulties which had arisen. Mr Baldwin replied: “I have m> statement to make to-day. While no constitutional difficulty exists at. pre-

sent, the situation is of such a nature as to make it; inexpedient thalt. 1 should be questioned about it at this stage.” Major Atlee asked whether in view of thej anxiety" in the minds of the British people, he would assure the House that he will make a statement at the earliest possible moment it can be made. Mr Baldwin: “I have all that very much in mind.” Mr Winston Churchill: Will you give an assurance that no irrevocable s'tc|'> will be taken before a formal statement is made through Parliament (Opposition cheers). Mr Baldwin: I have nothing to add ito the statement that 1 will consider amj examine your question.