BRITISH BUDGET

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19886, 15 May 1936, Page 7

BRITISH BUDGET

LEAKAGE OF SECRETb. DENIAL BY MR J. H. THOMAS. WANTED ms HONOUR \'INDILIATED United Press Assn.-—-Elee. Tel. Copyright. 'neroivmi May it». 11 am.) LONDON. May It. The inquiry ivy the tribunal ap—pointed try the timernment to investigzttu alleged leakage of Budget. information was t'nntinued to-da)‘. :‘ir Samuel Porter presiding. Mr J. 11. Thomas declared that he know nothing of the (‘.tiancellor‘s propustlls until the Cabinet meeting on April 9, and he supposed nobody else did- tie played golf on three consecutive days at Easter with Bates. whom he had known for ‘lO years. Asked bluntly whether he had disclosed any information regarding the Budget, Mr Thomas replied: "Absolutely none.“ He added: “Shortly after the Budget was announced pointed reference was made about me, and I received anonymous letters. I told Mr Baldwin: ‘ I don‘t know what. Cabinet will do, and I don‘t want. to know, but I insist on an investigation of my son's transactions.‘ Mr Baldwin replied: "Phat is hardly a matter for me. It concerns the Chancellor.’ " Mr Thomas proceeded: “I saw the Chancellor and repeated my conversa—tion with Mr Baldwin. .\lr Chamber—lain replied: ‘1 have not, heard from hioyds yet.‘ I said: ‘I am not concvrned with that, Neville. i am eoncerncd with my name and my boy's honour. 1 want you to investigate my son's transnctlons.‘ I also saw my son immediately his name was coupled with the attair. He said that he had merely acted for the good of his clients and saw nothing wrong in it, as his ilrm were Bates' hrokers- I asked: ‘l’lave you done anything for yourselti' tie replied: ‘.\‘ot a copper.‘ 1 then sent for Bates. amt said: ‘\\"llat do you mean by letting Leslie in this way? ‘ llates replied: '\\‘lmt do you mean? Leslie as my broker is entitled to my business.” The HouseJle Wanted. Referring to the autobiography. Mr Thomas said he had been offered large sums in write it. He was influenced absolutely on account of the house he mulled. Mr Thomas continued that in the interval following his seeing .\tr Bald—win and the Chancellor -

he was worried as to whether to melon, and consulted a frlond, who sald: “ For God’s sake Jlmmlo. don't raglan. All manner 0! constructions would be placed on It." He thouom the Idvloo sound and carrlod on.

Mr Thomas. in reply to Mr Justice Porter, declared that Bates did none of his financial business except the transactions already related. He agreed that he had had ample opportunities of telling Bates Budget secrets, but did not recall any discussion on linanciul matters during the days on which he saw Bales. Mr Thomas agreed to Justice Porler‘s request to furnish the tribunal with his banking accounts and invest: ment book. Mr Thomas, after halt-an-hour in the witness box. left the Court to take refreshment with a friend. Inform-Clan Regarding Income Tax. Reginald Marriott gave evidence that Waterton, a member of his firm of stockbrokers, told him that he had heard from a friend named Eves that the income tax was to be increased by threepence. He added that Eves got the information from a friend who was a great friend of Mr Thomas. Marriott instructed \Va'terton to place £75 insurance, promising him £IOO if it came off. John Vergottis, financier and exshipowner, said Waterton told him on April 20 about the income tax rise, as a rumour that \Vaterton had heard from his solicitor. He obtained insurance for £2500 at 15 guineas per cent. lie afterwards had a discussion with Mr Randolph Churchill, who regarded a rise of 3d most unlikely, increases heing invariably Gd. The inquiry was adjourned.