GOVERNMENT DEFEAT

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 147, 18 March 1931, Page 9

GOVERNMENT DEFEAT

Serious Lack of Support ELECTORAL BILL CLAUSE (Rec. March 17, 8 p.m.) London, March 16.. Strenuous discussion took place in committee in the House of Commons on the Electoral Bill. Lord Hugh Cecil (Conservative) moved the rejection of the clause abolishing university representation. He suggested that the leaders of the people came from these electorates. Mr. J. R. Clynes said that university electors sent 12 members to the House of Commons, in addition to voting in their own residential areas. Mr. Rhys Davis revealed that 58 Labour, 25 Liberal, and 138 Conservative members of the House of Commons had been elected by the universities. Mr. Stanley Baldwin said that nothing excited his admiration more than the fight by Labour members for an extension of the educational facilities. The Government ought to do the big thing and leave the universities their privilege. Excitement prevailed when the division showed that the Government had been defeated, the voting being 246 to 242. Mr. Baldwin suggested that the Bill be dropped. Mr. MacDonald replied that he would consider the matter. The discussion was adjourned amid Conservative cries of “Resign!” This defeat makes the sixth suffered by the Government. There is much comment on the fact that a large number of Labour members was absent. An informal meeting was held In the Premier’s room Immediately, when a grave view was taken of the lax attendance. The “Daily Herald” says the defeat is not likely to be made a matter of conference, but unless more consistent support is forthcoming, the Government obviously will have to consider its position.