The Opposition was disappointed in a hopeful little manoeuvre on
Wednesday night. Word had gone round that in spite of the important foreign affairs debate the Foreign Secretary was diverting himself at the ballet. The debate was to close at 9.15. At 9.13 Mr. Noel-Baker, winding up for the Government, was still speaking. At 9.14 he sat down and Mr. Boothby leaped to his feet. Where, he asked, was the Foreign Secretary on this important occasion. Mr. Noel-Baker spoke of Mr. Bevin's labours and fatigue, gave the assurance that he would be in his place for the continuation of the debate the next day and would have been told of all that happened in his absence. That, naturally, was not enough for Mr. Boothby, who coiled himself for another spring. But it was too late. The clock pointed inexorably to 9.15, and a Labour Whip promptly- moved "that the House do now adjourn." Thursday
morning's paper duly depicted Mr. Bevin in dinner-jacket and black tie at Covent Garden.
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