20 OCTOBER 1950, Page 3

In the Callaghan-Blackburn-Oxford Union controversy I have no desire to

embroil myself, but one outcome of it seems a welcome contribution to the gaiety of nations. Mr. Cal- laghan declined to debate with Mr. Blackburn, so Mr. Black- burn has countered triumphantly by declining to' debate with the :Minister of Pensions, Mr. Marquand. The logic of it ? Let me quote : " Only by refusing to meet Mr. Marquand can I hope to see that the Prime Minister will insist on decent manners in the Government over which he presides." That's the stuff. Mr. Attlee accordingly carpeted all his Ministers (except the Minister of Health, who doesn't need it). JANus.