19 JANUARY 1940, Page 3

There has been some uneasiness over the Ministry of Economic

Warfare, but it was largely dispelled by Mr. Cross's admirable statement on Wednesday afternoon. He had not hitherto made any very notable contribution from the Front Bench. On this occasion, however, he succeeded in combining a clear survey of the progress of the blockade with a vigorous fighting speech. The attention of Members of Parliament has been concentrated lately on our own de- ficiencies. We are apt to ignore or forget the increasing difficulties of the enemy.