19 JANUARY 1940, Page 3

The Week in Parliament

Our Parliamentary correspondent writes: Mr. Hore- Belisha's speech must have come as a surprise to the general public and even to a section of the House of Com- mons. It was noticeable that the late War Minister rose to speak amidst a marked lack of enthusiasm, and none of his fellow Liberal Nationals "clashed on their sounding shields the din of war." It is true that Sir Henry Morris-Jones was understood to pay tribute to his right honourable friend's ability, initiative and resource. But even he did not appear to be more than mildly annoyed.

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