We are unable to say much about Parliainentary activities during
the week, but may note one or two points. In' the first place, Lord Rothermere, who appears to be doing very well as Director-General of Clothing Supplies, announced that the new Bill introduced into the House of Commons will make it a criminal` offence perdstable By seven years' penal servitude to give or offer to give gratuities to any Government servant, even without the intent to bribe. He adds that the Government will prosecute in every case that arises, and will seek to have the maximum penalty inflicted. We can assure Lord Rothermere that he will have the support of all that is best in the nation if he will only take drastic measures against corruption, whether by contractors or officials. He will, we trust, never forget that the man who offers a bribe is quite as guilty as the man who accepts it. Each party to a corrupt transaction during war is a traitor to his country, and in our opinion richly deserves the traitor's punishment. However, seven years' Imid labour, though not as great a deterrent Se a firing party, will probably serve the purPose.
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