The debate upon the Third Reading of the Parliament Bill
took place in the House of Commons on Monday. The rejection of the Bill was moved by Mr. F. E. Smith, who re- capitulated the principal arguments against it. He urged the Government to consider carefully Lord Lansdowne's pro- posals, and declared that, if they rejected them, the only remaining alternative would be an elected Second Chamber. If such a Chamber were instituted, however, it was obvious that the Veto Bill would have to be altered. Speeches were made later in the evening by Mr. Asquith and Mr. Balfour, and the debate was wound up on the Opposition side by Mr. Long, and on the Government side by Mr. Churchill. The amendment for the rejection of the Bill was ultimately defeated by a majority of 120 (363-243). In a further division upon the motion for the Third Reading the Govern- ment's majority rose to 121 (362-241). On Tuesday the Parliament Bill was introduced into the House of Lords and read a first time. The debate on the Second Reading has been fixed for next Tuesday.
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