Criticism of such departments as the Ministry of Aircraft Production
and of the propaganda and intelligence organisations is all sotto voce or hush-hush ; criticism of the fire-fighting system is more vocal and open. But in neither case does the House hear frank and satisfying answers. Even if the debate were in secret there is no guarantee that swift 'action would follow. Do we need changes in the Cabinet itself? Should Mr. Lloyd George be left at Churt with his happy acres at such a time? and what about Mr. Menzies? What then are the high spots of criticism about the conduct of the war? Dr. Gilbert Murray and others deprecate retaliatory bombing of cities, but now a bomb-Berlin candidate has appeared on the horizon. Mr. Priestley and Mr. Herbert are both patriotic citizens; why then have they rival supporters even in the House of Commons? Is it just a matter of temperament or is it something deeper affecting the mood of conducting the war? As I stated last week, what is wanted now is a restoration of unity .on the home-front and especially in the House of Commons, but unity can only follow a frank and realist debate. For these and many other reasons next week's debate will be the most important since Mr. Churchill assumed office with an all-party Government. * * * *
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