When the debate on the motion for the adjournment came
on, however, the storm soon passed away. The Prime Minister explained that the motion was the result of a misunderstanding, since there had never been any idea of laying down a single keel until the sanction of the House of Commons had been obtained. The proposal in any case meant no increase in our naval strength ; it was only a question of replacing obsolete ships, and the proposed acceleration of this work of replacement was due to an earnest desire to help the unemployed. The Prime Minister took a high line with his own rebels, and also spoke reproachfully of the waste of time which a little more inquiry on the part of the Liberals would have prevented. The Liberals remained unconvinced and dissatisfied, but the Government, with the help of the Unionists, had a majority of 299.
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