Defeat of the Government

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 21034, 9 December 1933, Page 14

Defeat of the Government

It is hardly necessary to point out that the Government is in no way weakened by its defeat on the Prime Minister's motion to accord urgency to the Gaming Amendment Bill. Indeed, the only important consequence of the incident is the shelving of a very necessary piece of legislation. The Government, however, would be wise to recognise that, although the adverse vote was not a criticism of its policy it was a very pointed criticism of its methods. If the rank and file of the Coalition had been kept more closely in touch with the Government's intentions and if a little more consideration had been shown for the privileges of private members, the Prime Minister's motion would probably have been accepted. The revolt had no political significance; it was a protest, and a healthy protest, by the House as a whole against cavalier treatment by the executive. The Prime Minister was, of course, quite justified in pointing out that in the last month the House has done little to deserve the confidence and consideration of the Government. Its debates have been inordinately long, it has shown little appreciation of the Govern-

ment's special, difficulties, and it has failed regrettably to see the need for imposing on itself a voluntary discipline. Both the Government and the House were at fault; and if they take to heart the lessons of the incident Parliament will be a more orderly, more dignified, and more efficient body.