20 MARCH 1920, Page 3

The most striking speech in the debate was that of

Sir Robert Horne. He examined the present economic conditions in a really enlightening review, and his answer to Mr. Asquith's doctrine on Monday that " inflation had nothing to do with high prices " was particularly good. The only cheek upon Civil Service expenditure which is likely to be effective is the rationing of Departments. Within a very few days a Committee of experts could say not only how much money is available for the Departments but in what proportions it ought to be allocated. Then let the Departments spend their allowances, and exceed them at their peril