WHERE STRENGTH IS NEEDED

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 16, 18 July 1940, Page 10

WHERE STRENGTH IS NEEDED

The representation of the Opposition in the War Cabinet will provide a basis (though we think not the best) upon which a war unity struc= ture may be erected. It will have

one further and notable advantage in giving the country the advice and counsel of men of experience. Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Coates are both highly qualified to assist, on such important problems as wartime production, finance, and efficient use of man-power, and Mr. Coates has also most valuable experience and knowledge of defence. Such counsel will certainly strengthen the war effort; but more could be done if the political unification were such as to utilise the administrative capacity and experience of the National Party. The Labour Party has from time to time declared that it is willing and capable of doing the whole work of Government, but it is beyond doubt that there are weak members in the. Cabinet. Efficiency would be much greater if such experienced administrators as Messrs. Hamilton and Coates replaced these. This could be done if a real National Government were formed to control and direct all the affairs of the country for the period of stress.