22 MARCH 1924, Page 2

On Thursday, March 13th, the Government suffered their first defeat.

No principle was involved, but in any case Mr. MacDonald, after all that he has said, would not have been expected to resign. The Government have steadily been getting into difficulties with their time-table, as they have a great deal of business to transact before the end of the financial year. Mr. Clynes therefore moved the suspension of the 11 o'clock rule. Mr. Baldwin very properly objected, saying that the right course was to take the time of private members. It is notorious that Parliamentary business which is done after 11 o'clock at night and in the early hours of the morning reflects a jaded temper and tired brains.

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