From this another thought arises. Bureaucrats, as experience of the
last war proved, have an unpleasant habit of clinging to emergency powers long after the emergency is past. We ought not, after this war, to be compelled to fight piecemeal, for the return of each of our former freedoms. One great Act of Parliament should restore all of them except those which the Government of the day can show to be necessary in the conditions of peace. Too much freedom is better than too little, and the burden of re-justifying every claim to continuing emergency powers should be thrust by Parliament upon the Executive. Meanwhile an elaborate examination and recording of our departures from liberty since 1914 might well occupy a Commission of constitutional lawyers appointed by the Lord, Chancellor Their report would be invaluable if they were able to make it swiftly when we emerge from the present tunnel and begin again thirstily to taste a freer air.
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