The arrangements for the debate on capital punishment in the
House of Commons on Wednesday caused serious dissatisfaction both inside and outside the Labour Party—particularly inside it. A clear undertaking had been given by the Government that the issue should be left to a full vote of the House. So it was, with the important exception that no Minister was allowed to vote against the Government. There must be at least fifty Ministers outside the Cabinet. The majority, probably a• large majority, were in favour of the proposal to suspend capital punishment and some of
them felt bitterly at being robbed of the opportunity of voting as their consciences dictated. They, of course, abstained—but a vote is worth twice an abstention, and the dice were to that extent loaded against the amendment. However, the cause was won without them. It would have won with a thumping majority if the Conservatives had not almost solidly supported the Government—for Mr. Ede specifically appealed in the name of the Government for rejection of the new clause.
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