A SPECTATOR'S NOTEBOOK O N one feature of this Parliament judgement
is unanimous: it is going to be singularly interesting. Also there is no doubt that it contains ability above the average ; the quality of the opening speeches, particularly the maiden speeches, has been extremely high. Of course, while ripeness is all, speaking may not be, and prepared maiden speeches are no sufficient criterion in themselves ; but they create, at any rate, an a priori presumption. The absence of party controversy continues rather remarkably. Mr. Churchill set the tone, and Mr. Eden has more than sustained it, with his tribute to Mr. Bevin and his suggestion that for the discussion of foreign affairs the House might resolve itself into something of a Council of State. Mr. R. A. Butler, discuSsing domestic affairs, sounded a rather more lively note, but nothing to suggest conten- tion of any kind. The resumption in October may bring some change. The Opposition Front Bench, far from deficient in debating power as it is, will by that time no doubt have been strengthened by the return of Mr. Harold Macmillan and Mr. Richard Law— and of Mr. Brendan Bracken, who is being pushed by Mr. Churchill —at by-elections (Mr. Macmillan looks like getting Bromley and Mr. Bracken Bournemouth ; Mr. Law is sure of election in South Kensington, and Captain Peter Thorneycroft probable at Mon- mouth). The intention is to keep Ministers on their toes, without at all provoking controversy for the sake of controversy. That does not mean at all that controversy will be absent.
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