1 NOVEMBER 1940, Page 15

SIR,—In war time we sink party differences to get things

done; in peace Canon Lloyd asks us to resume party differences—in order to get nothing done?

To restore the health of Parliament, why not take off the party whips? The House seems to rise to the occasion when it is permitted freedom of speech—one of those things we are fighting for.

Would this embarrass the Government? Parliament could become an advisory council and hold debates on the first reading of a Bill before the details are finally worked out. Members would give their views and the Government frame a policy accordingly. The Com- mittee stage would provide criticism.—Yours, &c.,

St. Erkenwald's Vicarage, Southend. G. C. HARDING.