27 SEPTEMBER 1940, Page 3

I suggest one or two relevant questions. What is the

real function of a Ministerial Head of a Department? Is the poli- tical life a suitable training for such .office? If so, why are Sir Andrew Duncan and Lord Woolton conspicuous successes? What has Lord Beaverbrook done at the Ministry' of Aircraft Production to make the admitted difference to the whole admin- istration? Why should politicians and civil servants be unique in not requiring specific training for their high vocation? Why does it take a war to reveal the grosser errors in administration? What alternative spur to efficiency can be discovered when the "stimulus of loss" fails to operate? There will be many such questions asked, some perhaps even more pertinent, before long. Parliament will be on trial. It is for democracy to face squarely its own shortcomings and cease poking obvious fun at dictators.