27 NOVEMBER 1909, Page 2

On Tuesday the debate was reopened by Lord Cromer, with

whose speech we deal elsewhere. Lord Pentland in opposing the amendment complained of the unfairness of the position in which the Liberals were placed. He believed it was true that since 1864 only one Bill reaching the House of Lords from a Conservative Government had been substantially altered. Lord Pentland's speech was welcomed by Liberals as being a powerful vindication of the Cabinet's position. Lord Avebury emphasised the financial depression to which the Budget must lead, and denied that its rejection would cause any similar result. His long experience in business gives especial weight to this opinion.