The Bitting of the R011130 of Commons which began on
Wednesday afternoon lasted continuously for nearly twenty- seven hours. The obstruction which led to an all-night sitting grew out of a change in the order of business which involved the taking of the third reading of the Consolidated Fund Bill on the same night as the Army Annual Bill. The Government Whip declared this change had been made to oblige the Opposition, while the Opposition in turn denounced it as a flagrant breach of faith. The episode, which appears to have originated in a misunderstanding, and might have been avoided by more tactful handling, degenerated into a protracted, acrimonious, and futile wrangle, and exhibited the House in anything but a favourable light. Just before the adjournment the Premier made the welcome announce- ment that the Government were opposed to the Channel Tunnel project. Even if the military dangers could be guarded against, the making of a tunnel would create a feeling of insecurity and unrest which might lead to demands for increased naval and military expenditure, and prejudice our political and commercial interests. The announcement, which was also made in the Lords by Lord Crewe in reply to a question from Lord Rosebery, was received with general approval, Mr. Balfour expressing the great satisfaction with which the Premier's declaration had been heard by the Opposition.
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