22 NOVEMBER 1940, Page 3

Meanwhile the country is fighting for its life and it

is good that Parliament is now meeting regularly, preserving national unity at the centre while allowing the maximum criticism on all matters of policy. It is a mistake to confuse criticism with sinister political activity. On no occasion can I remember a single debate which harmed the national effort: on the con- trary I can think of many which brought important issues to a head. Recent debates on the Home Guard and Imperial policy have helped to strengthen right policies and prevented growing abuses.