THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3215, 11 May 1911, Page 5

THE HOUSE OF LORDS.

LORD LANSDOWNE’S REFORM PROPOSALS. CRITICISED BY LORD MOBLEY. [UNITED ASSOCIATION-COPYRIGHT.J LONDON, May 9. .Lord Morley, continuing, stated that Lord Lar.sdowne’s Bill was no alternative to the Parliament Bill. Nothing must obstruct the latter. He protested against the idea of creating a new body until they had settled within what •limits it would work. The Government’s plans had been fully before the electors. Its policy had withdrawn the absolute veto from the House of Lords, whether reformed or unreformed. The Government would proceed with the Parliament Bill till the> statute book gave security to the supremacy of the House of Commons, unimpaired and un.impairable. Lord Lanslowne’s proposals were inadequate and illusory in many respects, and did what "was unnecessary, destroyed the House of Lords. The Bill was unlikely to advance the question, and the Government could commit themselves tto no approval of any portion thereof as yet presented to l them. Lord Lansdowne, in the course of a speech, said'‘ that he calculated his scheme' would leave the Unionists an apparent majority of ‘eighteen, which was subject to fluctuations, and might disappear altogether. NEWSPAPER COMMENT.

The “Times” says: “Yesterday will remain a remarkable date in O'Ur political evolution. The constitutional question enters a new phase, wherein the stubborn reticence of the Government must give place to definite proposals.” The “Daily News” declares that Lord Lansdowne’s Bid protected the House because the decisive action always rested with hereditary members'.

The press generally is surprised at the far-reaching character of Lord Lansdowne’s proposals. The Unionists hope that the Government will accept them as a basis of compromise'. The “Morning Post” says that the proposals are suicidal, and an outcome of panic. The “Westminster Gazette” estimated the Conservative majority at 32 under Lord Jjansdowne s scheme. SECOND READING AGREED TO. (Received May 11, 12.27 a.m.) LONDON, May 10. In the House of Lords, at Lord Lansdowne’s instance, Lord Morley agreed to the second reading of the former’s Bill being taken on Monday. Lord Camper do wn ’ s Small Ownership Of Land Bill was read a second; time, despite Earl Carrington’s opposition.