18 APRIL 1941, Page 3

Public opinion outside the House of Commons is beginning to

shape itself. The country has been transformed in one year under Mr. Churchill's leadership. There are no by-elections to record that transformation except as revealed by maiden speeches. Meanwhile Government machinery is being stretched to meet a host of new emergencies. Lord Reith has wisely surrounded himself with an excellent panel of advisers, Mr. Moore-Brabazon presides over a comprehensive Transport Council, the Ministers of Shipping and Economic Warfare have Ministers in Washington, Mr. Hudson is beginning to bring research out of the laboratory and apply it to the farm, Mr. Bevin is building an army of welfare workers. There is,, in fact, much excellent administration. But here again the func- tion of Parliament is criticism, and the sober reports from the Select Committee on National Expenditure reveal too much waste and too much inefficiency.