The Report Stage of the Army Estimates on Tuesday pro-
vided Mr. Hore-Belisha with an opportunity, which he took successfully, of painting in the details of the picture that he had presented to the House the previous week. Mr. Churchill made the Tories uncomfortable ; he could not forbear to say " I told you so " ; and his castigation of the " gaping " Government supporters neglectful of Territorial Army needs and the defence of their country emphasised the unique position he holds in a Parliament which values independence less and less. But his noble tribute to the Territorial Army and his generous congratulations to the Secretary of State received applause. Mr. Amery pleaded once again for universal service. Mr. Lees-Smith, who has made a study of defence questions, and is inclined to be under-rated by the House, spread his remarks over too wide a field and thereby lost some of his effect. The debate, which began in the grand manner, ended in points of detail, about which no one minded ; and Mr. Hore-Belisha was able to announce further minor reforms.
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