The Norwegian chapter did not stand alone, Mr. Amery said, it was connected with our hesitance and slowness in responding to Finland's appeal for arms, and tackling of all war problems. There was no doubt that during the past eight months, the gap between the German forces and Ours had widened, and we could not go on as we have been doing. There must be change—(loud Opposition cheers).
The next blow might fall at any moment, he said. It might be Hol. land, or it might be the Mediterrancan. We must have a supreme war directorate soon, and we must have a proper war cabinet similar to Mr. Lloyd George's in the Great War. The time has come when the Opposition must definitely take their share of the real responsibility, and a real National government formed.
Winding up the first day's debate, Mr. Oliver Stanley, Secretary of State for War, said that he thought perhaps the wrong impression had been gained of what the Prime Minister had told the House about the Chiefs-of-Staffs.
Answering criticisms of the Nor. wegian campaign, Mr. Stanley said: "It would be absurd to exaggerate the reverse that our arms have suffered in the last few weeks, It is, I think, ridiculous to describe it as a disaster. At the same time, it is equally dangerous to minimize it, and equally dangerous to pretend that although the loss in men and material may have been small loss in the other matters of prestige and morale may not have been great.
Unconfirmed Stories "I think it quite true that the shock that the country has had was aggravated by the fact the people were led to believe stories in the press and over the radio—stories which had no official foundation—that successes were being attained, which any man in his senses who looked at the map couldn't possibly believe to be true.
Mr. Stanley said that no colour had been given to these stories in official communiques issued by the War Office, Store, Clean ano) Remodel your furs with M. Polejack Purrier and Ladies Tailor for over 35
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