MR BALFOUR'S OBJECTIONS.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12768, 14 April 1910, Page 2

MR BALFOUR'S OBJECTIONS.

(Received April 13, 11.25 p.m.) London, April 13. The veto debate was continued in the House of Commons. Mr A. B. Markham implored the Gov : eminent to procecjl with reform of the House of Lords on a democratic basis at the earliest moment. The Government ought to do its utmost to secure a guarantee from the King. Mr Balfour inquired the meaning of Mr Asquith's promise of machinery for improving the method of conferences between the two Houses in the event of differences arising, and asked why the suggested improved methods were not embodied in the Premier's resolutions, inasmuch that the new proposals wore less hopelessly irrational than the other parts? Air Balfour contended that by proposals whereunder the House of Lords' powers were no longer misty and vague, but clearly defined by law, .tlio Government would ba encouraging tine House of Lords to exercise them to the utmost. They might according to the resolutions delay a Bill for the first two years of Parliament; and then in the following years tha Lords would be able to cause delay by compelling the submission of any measure to a new House of Commons. The so-called deadlocks and friction would be multiplied. Moreover, and this was his chief pomt t the resolution would destroy the primary function of the second chamber of referring large and momentous changes for the. people s decision. Thus the House of Lords would be empowered to interfere far more with ordinary legislation, but would be impotent to save the country from sudden revolutionary changes decided upon by a temporary majority. .