3 FEBRUARY 1939, Page 3

The Chatfield and Dorman-Smith appointments are held to be very

adroit, a further credit, it is said, to Captain Margesson. There is, of course, no sign of the Cabinet being broadened, so far as its political complexion is con- cerned, but the question does arise as to whether it should not be lessened in numbers. Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith is popular both in the House and with the farmers ; he knows their case, and has ideas as to how to deal with their troubles. He may or may not turn out to be a good departmental chief, but not even his greatest admirer would say he was yet of Cabinet calibre.