After speeches by Lord Haldane and Lord Curzon, the Government's
position was stated by Lord Morley, who said that if there were a better plan for erecting a deciding authority they would consider it. But this, at all events, was certain, that nothing would induce the Government to assent to a joint committee." He doubted whether it would be possible for such a body to divest itself of party feeling, and concluded by declaring that the Speaker under the Bill would have no more important decisions to make than he had to make every day now in the House of Commons. Later in the discussion Lord Lansdowne spoke in support of the amend- meat, which seemed to him "one of the most vital amendments to this important Bill." The Archbishop of Canterbury expressed his disappointment at having heard literally no arguments worthy of the name brought forward in answer to objections to the proposal of the Bill. He was also dis- appointed because of the hope which had been held out by the Government of a friendly hearing and full discussion of amendments. The debate was wound up by the Lord Chancellor, and in the division that followed the amendment was carried by a majority of 139 (183-44).
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