DEBATE COLLAPSES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25017, 10 September 1942, Page 5

DEBATE COLLAPSES

ONLY FOUR SHORT SPEECHES MEMBERS LEAVE CHAMBER (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) LONDON, Sept. 8. The most interesting point in the House of Commons session was the way in which the debate on the war’s progress, which was expected to last two days, fizzled out after Mr Churchill spoke, indicating either that the House of Commons did not desire further discussion on the war at the present stage, that the parties were unprepared tor lack of speakers, or that they were disinterested. It was certainly remarkable and unusual to see large numbers of members of the House rise from the packed benches and leave the chamber while Mr Churchill was halfway through his speech, with the result that when he had concluded there were large gaps in the chamber where it was filled to capacity at the beginning. The only possible deduction was that the members who left must have been mentally, if not physically, satisfied, for they went to the dining rooms. That was not particularly courteous to the Prime Minister, however, whose speech was awaited with interest throughout the nation. The points which chiefly interested the House were Mr Churchill’s reference to his visit to the Middle East and Moscow, and his comments on the remarkable feature of the Malta convoy in defeating attacks by shorebased aircraft. There is a feeling that there must have been some plain speaking both in Cairo and Moscow. Mr Churchill appeared particularly mindful of the changed conditions and atmosphere compared with the last time when he addressed the House on the occasion of the motion of censure. He was in good form, and interspersed his speech with the usual shafts of Churchill humour. For instance, referring to his visits, he said: “These journeys seemed necessary in the public interest. I believe the results achieved, although now secret, will, as they become apparent, justify any trouble and expense incurred,” at which the House chuckled.