23 NOVEMBER 1912, Page 2

The decision of the Cabinet not to proceed in the

present Session with the Mental Deficiency Bill is well described by the Times as a social misfortune. The facts and figures on which the measure is based are appalling, and admit of no dispute. But the abandonment of the Bill is something more than a social misfortune, it is nothing short of a political scandal. The reason assigned—the loss of time caused by the Home Rule finance muddle—fails to convince strong Liberals like the Bishop of Birmingham, and only shows that party exigencies are to be allowed to override a pressing national need.