AT WESTMINSTER
MONDAY'S debate on export and import trade was perhaps related to the main economic debate, but distantly enough in point of time to have an individuality of its own. It was an interest- ing debate, if not a particularly well-attended one. But, with an over-driven Parliament, it is difficult to see how good debates are to get the attendances they deserve, or poor debates the increased attendance which might make them better debates. Mr. Walter Elliot had a good deal to say on Monday on the subject of Imperial Preference, and the possibilities of Empire trade ; and he said it very well. He was, however, mainly in exploratory vein, and showed himself a most effective Parliamentary skirmisher.
Sir Stafford was, as always, lucid, urbane and effortless in the exposition of his theme—the desirability of reaching agreement with other, and particularly Empire, countries, to assure a general expan- sion of world trade. Once again it was a wll-read lecture rather than a well-delivered speech. But, considering the weight of his present duties and their variety, it would be churlish to hold this against Sir Stafford, who in any case reads a speech better than anybody and gives it a life and vigour not always to be found in extempore utterance. Of the other speeches Mr. Hopkin Morris was persuasive and well modulated from the Liberal benches, while the most interesting back-bench contribution from the Government side came from Mr. Stanley Evans, whose speech was described by Mr. Godfrey Nicholson as one of " profound commonsense and great sincerity." His factual and realistic appreciation of the situation won for him the unusual encouragement of cries of " Go on " from all quarters of the House, when he apologised for detaining it. For the rest, Mr. Hollis was emphatic and Mr. Lennox-Boyd vigorous in defence of Imperial Preference ; Mr. Gordon-Walker was interesting and easy to listen to on the attitude of the United States from which he has recently returned ; and Lord Hinchingbrooke made another of those thoughtful, rather unconventional contribu- tions which the House is coming to expect of him.
* * Tuesday's debate on rural housing had this in common with all housing debates, that many more wished to speak than time allowed in fact to do so. It seemed a pity that an extra hour could not have been given to the debate, as I have certainly known an extra hour given for less important matters. There did not seem to be any particular reason why the Government should ask Mr. Westwood to reply to the debate. There was very little reference to Scottish housing as such, and his speech threw little light on the general points at issue. Mr. Edwards, making his " maiden " from the Despatch Box, was considerably more to the liking of the House, though he disappointed many by his apparent inability to make any new pronouncement of policy in regard to reconditioning in the absence of his chief. Curiously enough, Mr. Bevan's absence was matched by that of Mr. Hudson, who was to have led for the Opposition. Captain Crookshank, however, who is no tyro in housing matters, made a very effective substitute at short notice. Lady Megan was polished and informed, Mr. Hare and Mr. Molson effective and interesting, Mr. Asterley Jones quietly constructive ; and Mr. Mitchison spoke with his habitual fluency but also with his customary air of injured petulance.
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After Questions on Tuesday the House was afforded the unusual spectacle of a voiceless Mr. W. J. Brown. This, however improbable, has now been shown to be not inherently impossible, for Mr. Brown, by reason of a sore throat, was compulsorily silent in his own cause. He found, however, an able interpreter in Mr. Byers, who put Mr. Brown's case for prima facie breach of privilege in regard to alleged instructions which he had received in regard to his conduct as a Member from a trade union with which he is associated. The question of privilege was again referred to on Wednesday when, following the Prime Minister's announcement on the Press Com- mission, Mr. Nally charged the Express Newspapers with bribing Members to report the proceedings of private meetings. Something
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