28 APRIL 1950, Page 3

AT WESTMINSTER

THE Labour Members roared their relief when the result of the first division on the Budget resolutions was announced at the table. Relief was understandable ; but there is no room for exultation when you command a majority of only five for two of the cardinal proposals of your Budget. The Budget debates and this tense sequel of the divisions, including the eleventh-hour round-up of the sick and the lame, must have helped the public to realise more fully what an unhappy, frustrated House of Commons this is. Strain was inseparable from the foreknowledge that victory or defeat was going to turn on the narrowest of majorities, but as is the way with the House it rode out the moments of tension with a good deal of boisterous fun on both sides.