HC Deb 30 May 1945 vol 411 cc219-20
Mr. Speaker

acquainted the House that he had received a letter from Major Milner announcing his resignation of the office of Chairman of Ways and Means which he read to the House, as follows:

"Chairman of Ways and Means Office.

29th May, 1945.

My Dear Mr. Speaker, Although constitutionally elected for the full term of this Parliament, I think it proper, having regard to the changed situation, to tender to the House, through you, my resignation of the Office of Chairman of Ways and Means.

I regard it as a great honour to have occupied one of the chief offices in the House of Commons for something over two years in these notable and strenuous days, and I desire to thank right hon. and hon. Gentlemen in all parts of the House for the courtesy and consideration they have shown to me.

May I say that I am particularly indebted to you for your unfailing consideration and many personal kindnesses.

To the Clerks at the Table and the officials of the House generally I would also wish to express my grateful thanks for their help and assistance at all times.

I have the honour to remain,

Yours very sincerely,

James Milner.

Colonel the Right Hon. D. Clifton Brown, M.P., Speaker,

House of Commons, S.W.1."

Mr. Speaker

I would like to add my warm thanks to the hon. and gallant Gentleman for the efficient and loyal service he has always given to me as Deputy-Speaker and to the House as Chairman of Ways and Means.

Mr. Eden

I think that Members in all parts of the House would wish to be associated with what you have just said, Sir. I would like to say with what regret we heard the reading of that letter, and how much gratitude we feel for the work the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner) has done for the House while he held this most responsible office. The letter which you have read necessitates certain changes in the recommendations, and I would like later to move that Mr. Charles Williams be Chairman of Ways and Means and Colonel Sir Charles MacAndrew be Deputy-Chairman. Both those hon. Gentlemen are well known to the House: one comes from South of the Tweed and the other from North of the Tweed; and I hope their names will be acceptable to the House.

Mr. Attlee

I should like to associate my colleagues on this side with what the Leader, of the House has said, and to join in the thanks of the House to the Chairman of Ways and Means.

Sir Archibald Sinclair

On behalf of my hon. Friends, I should like to associate myself with what the right hon. Gentleman has said. The hon. and gallant Member for South-East Leeds (Major Milner) has served the House well, and we hear of his departure with regret.

Mr. Eden

I beg to move, That Mr. Charles Williams be Chairman of Ways and Means, and Colonel Sir Charles MacAndrew be Deputy-Chairman.

Question put, and agreed to.