THE apparent difference of opinion between the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary over the 45-minute claim in the Iraq weapons dossier does not show the Government in a favourable light.

It reflects badly on Mr Blair's grasp of important matters of state, and it reflects badly on Mr Hoon's ability to share information with his colleagues.

It is not, however, a cause for resignation as Michael Howard suggests.

Nor, indeed, does it warrant a detailed inquiry as Charles Kennedy suggests.

Had the 45-minute claim been the sole justification for war then the demands of Mr Howard and Mr Kennedy would have some merit.

But in truth the claim was not the trigger for military action, and at best had a negligible influence on the judgement of the Prime Minister.

Both Mr Howard and Mr Kennedy are in danger of losing respect over their antics following the publication of the Hutton Report.

Publicly, both profess agreement for its conclusions. But they then seem to want inquiry after inquiry, presumably until they stumble across one which eventually reaches the conclusions they want and delivers the ministerial or even prime ministerial scalp they hoped to receive from Hutton.

The Butler Inquiry will examine the gathering of intelligence on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction. Mr Howard and Mr Kennedy would be wise to let Lord Butler and his colleagues conduct the inquiry, abide by its conclusions and then call a halt to their witch-hunt.

The cases for and against going to war have been presented, and presented thoroughly. No amount of further inquiries will alter either the cases or the division of opinion on them.

The decision to go to war was, quite rightly, taken by the Government we elect to make those kind of decisions.

The time and place for the Government to be held to account for that decision will be when they go before the country at the next General Election.