In the House of Commons on Thursday a debate arose
over the fact that Lord Robert Cecil has brought in a Bill restrict.. ing the powers of the House of Lords, which, unless it is withdrawn, will under the rules of the House prevent dis- cussion on Monday of the Government Motion relating to the House of Lords. When the Prime Minister appealed to Lord Robert not to proceed with his Bill, Lord Robert, while dis- claiming any desire to prevent discussion of the Resolution, declined to respond to the appeal because the Government bad not carried out their pledge, given in March, that the question of blocking Motions would be dealt with. Lord Robert was, we think, quite justified in thus pointedly drawing attention to the absurdity of the way in which the House of Commons manages its business in this respect. It is utterly absurd to put debate at the mercy of the blooker, and we have no sympathy whatever with the Leader of the House if public business is dislocated owing to his unwillingness to carry a reform which is so much needed. It is hardly necessary to say that as a matter of fact the Motion will take place on Monday. Either Lord Robert will be bought off by a promise that the rules which allow blocking shall be amended, or else the House of Commons will meet to-day and suspend the Standing Orders so as to allow their Resolution to be discussed at the time fixed.
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