Britain Ponders: "When Do We Vote " - Crowds a await the arrivals of the ministers at downing street. An announcement in the British court circular for January 8 stirred wide speculation among Britons as to the date general election. The announcement said that premier Clement Attlee had been received by King George VI at Sandringham. Such a reception is traditionally the first step in the dissolution or parliament before polling. When Britain's cabinet ministers met in committee at number ten downing street January 9 Londoners took greater interest than usual in the event and crowds thronged the pavements in whitehall and downing street to watch the arrivals. January 09, 1950. (Photo by Associated Press Photo).