Speaking at Milford Haven last Saturday, Mr. Lloyd George brightly
challenged Mr. Baldwin to say whether, in the event of a stalemate at the General Election, he would " put Labour into office." Mr. Baldwin may remain, and no doubt does remain, unembarrassed. Mr. Lloyd George's question was based on a complete mis- understanding of the sequel to a stalemate. If the Sovereign's old prerogative remained of choosing any new Minister he pleased, there might indeed be relevance in the question. Mr. Baldwin's advice to the Sovereign would then be of great moment. But it has long been established that the only " prerogative " resides in a Parliamentary majority. This acts automatically. If there should be a stalemate, Mr. Baldwin could not do otherwise than advise the King to send for the leader of the Party with the largest number of seats. This leader may not be able, or may not wish, to form. a Government. Then the King would send for the leader of the party with the number of seats next in order of magnitude, who might, or might not, be able to take office by arrangement with other Parties. We thought that everyone calling himself a democrat admitted this.
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