2110-5-8-21

S t. Stephen's House, London, S.W.1.

20th May, 1931·

Searest Stalky

I got your letter this morning. I have written to decline Lady Boyle's invitation. It will be too deadly dull.

I shall try and get Tommie Dugdale for the dinner tonight, or some other young man. Douglas Clydesdale won't be back from Scotland, I fear.

I had a very comic luncheon with George Drummond yesterday. The Yorks want us to go to a play, I think, some time soon.

I did not think I would have a chance of speaking in the House yesterday. John Simon made a brilliant speech, and Cripps, the Solicitor-General, who came after him, was also, I thought, very good. Then to my amazement the Speaker suddenly called me. I made a short but pointed speech, which evoked great applause from Neville Chamberlain. Then we had the dinner with Edward Irwin, who talked to us most wonderfully. I must say I think he is the only great man among my exact contemporaries.

Today I have an Ashridge luncheon, and then I am seconding, in the House, the official amendment on plural voting - the first time I have spoken on two days running. I am glad we have got a private room for the dinner, for the terrace is out of the question.

Did I tell you that the Land Valuation people are prepared to buy the properties along the by-pass on their own ac

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count and resell them to us? This makes the purchase compulsory, and gets rid of a world of difficulties.

Tell John I have much to tell him about St. Kilda, which I am afraid does not sound very promising.

I expect the car to be at St. Stephen's Club on Friday at about two o'clock, or a little after.

Much love. John