A SPECTATOR 'S NOTEBOOK
MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT who during the long recess have almost forgotten that they are Members of Parliament will get their memories back on Tuesday when the House reassembles for the fag-end of its first session. The Prorogation, followed immediately by the opening of the new session, will mean a short break early in November. But apart from the introduction of a little pleasant pageantry it will have little effect on the course of business. As to that, the pace seems likely to slacken a little. The National Health Service Bill has still to pass the Lords, and they will no doubt send it back, with various amendments, which may or may not be accepted. But no one expects any serious clash here. The promised, or threatened, measure on the nationalisation of transport is hardly likely to see the light before Christmas, and when it does the present Minister may not be in charge of it. That and other possible Minis- terial changes, indeed, look like being more interesting than any impending legislation (except the little measure for the termination of the Nelson annuity, which Mr. Dalton has up his sleeve). Specu- lation runs at once up against the fact that it is mi.vch more easy to see what offices might profitably be vacated than to see who could advantageously fill them. Mr. Attlee may have hidden talent at his disposal, but he has not much obvious talent, except for Under- Secretaryships—and it is principal, not subsidiary, offices that need filling. The appointments, if and when they come, are likely to have a pleasant air of the unexpected.
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