REFORM OF THE LORDS.

Northern Advocate, 18 November 1910, Page 5

REFORM OF THE LORDS.

A PRACTICAL BASIS,

GOVERNMENT'S UNREASONABLE

ATTITUDE.

(Received Nov. 18, 8.33. a.m.)

LONDON, Nov. 17

Speaking in the House of Lords on the subject of reforming the Upper Chamber, the Marquis of Lansdowne said he was doubtful of the usefulness of discussion without the possibility of amendment, but he would consult his colleagues.

He added: "We have already devised moans whereby the difference betweoia the Houses may be solved in a reasonable, and if possible, amicable manner." Mr Asquith himself had referred to the possibility of joint sessions* yet the Government was precipitately dissolving Parliament, presumably throwing the finance of the year into irremediable confusion. The House of Commons' claim of preponderance in finance was not unreasonable, if the claim were reasonably interpreted. Lord Crewe declared that, aft 21* the failure of the Veto Conference, the country would regard another discussion as absolute waste of time. Agreement in the course of debate with the Lords was no longer feasible. Hitherto all proposals to reform the Lords had implied that reconstruction would give such authority in the eyes of the country that they ought to retain the whole present powers. He added: "You don't know yourselves what you mean by reform. We must deal with you as you are." Lord Rosebcry announced that he would proceed with his resolution today. The House must itself affirm the sincerity of its desire for reform.

Lord Crewe, answering Lord Balfour of Burleigh, said that he reserved the reply of what the Government would do regarding the amendment if the Lords read the Parliament Bill a second time.

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