It was fortunate for the Government that two such amiable
and amenable Ministers as Sir Samuel Hoare and Sir Donald Somervell were in charge of what is commonly called the I.R.A. Bill. Sir Samuel's exposition of the I.R.A. plans surprised the House ; but there was alarm on both sides as to the powers conferred on the Minister in the Bill. Mr. Foot, who is in his element when he is defending the liberties and rights of individuals against the Executive, and Mr. Pritt, who would be more effective if he tried to be less humorous, aroused the House to the full implications of the measure. Mr. Wedgwood Benn's speech was of his usual high quality ; while Mr. Gallacher, who must take care if he is not to become one of the favourites of the House, asked Members to bear in mind British traditions, and to take a stand against the Government's Fascist tendencies. It will be difficult for the 17 not-contents to explain why they divided against the measure, fot the Government majority included quite a number of Liberals and Socialists. The Government's desire to obtain the Bill quickly is easily understood, and, thanks to the explosion at King's Cross, they got the Bill through on Wednesday.
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