11 APRIL 1941, Page 3

The Budget debate continues as I write, but every speaker

is in general agreement with the main lines of the Chancellor's pro- posals. They praise his realism. Once more there is 'convincing proof that the people like to know the facts. I hope- that never again, except for reasons of security, will a Government be allowed to withhold information, either on financial or foreign policy from the British people. Sir ' John Wardlaw- Milne from the Conservative benches and Mr. Benson from the Labour side both made this point. Mr. Pethick- Lawrence suggested that a capital levy should be imposed after the war. Sir Peter Bennett, in a maiden speech, emphasised the importance of .a flexible Excess Profits Tax, and Dr Russell Thomas contributed a remarkable maiden speech on the war-effort and the danger of inflation. His command of language and feat of memory and obvious sincerity impressed the House.