26 DECEMBER 1941, Page 4

Of the four new Labour peers Squadron-Leader Wedgwood Benn is

likely to be of greatest service in the -Upper House, He is an admirable debater (not that the peers at the best of times specialise in cut-and-thrust), with Ministerial experience as Secretary for India, and practical experience as an airman, behind him, a singularly alert mind, and a plentiful supply of common sense. If his duties at the Air Ministry do not keep him too much away from Westminster he will add an element of substantial value to the Lords' discussions. It is a pity that the expedient of creating life-peers was not adopted in this case. Since it is specially stated that the four peerages are simply a matter of temporary convenience, there seems no good reason why their holders' descendants to all eternity should be ennobled.

ANUS.