ENPages
page_0001
St . Stephen ' s House, London, S. W. 1.
11th November, 1931.
My dear darling,
I sent you a scribble last night. The debate on the King's speech was very dull, and Ramsay was very bad; but Geoffrey Lloyd, the new Member for Birmingham, who moved the address, was excellent. As I told you, there was an amusing article in The Evening Standard last night, asking why Eddie Hartington, Anthony Eden, Oliver Stanley and myself were not in the Cabinet, finishing up nobly with "We have had enough of the boiler-makers and the fitters and the lay preachers, why not make use of the gentlemen of England?" I am pleased with the list of minor ministers, which is a real attempt to select talent - a much better show than the Cabinet itself. There was a danger of Noel being forced out, and I was beginning to see very bright red, but happily that is past. The House of Commons is full of wandering sheep, and I make a point of trying to get to know as many as possible of the new Members.
The Press Association dinner last night was very nice. Old Mr. Will proposed my health, and I made a speech. To-night the P. M. is dining with out little group.
I am very well, and I hope you are all right at Elsfield.
Much love, [initials]
