The Government speakers in the debate were Mr. Wyndham and
Mr. Akers-Douglas. Mr. Wyndham confined himself to a spirited defence of the policy of regaining freedom of action for our Government in their dealings with foreign States. But though Mr. Wyndham did not by word do more than insist on retaliation, the tone of his speech was Protectionist. One looks in vain for any condemnation of Mr. Chamberlain's policy. After Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman had wound up the debate for the Free-trade side, Mr. Akers-Douglas concluded for the Government. Mr. Akers-Douglas, again, said nothing in condemnation of Mr. Chamberlain's policy, but stated that the Government were opposed to any taxation on food or on raw material, and he appealed to the House not to weaken the Government at a moment of grave international crisis.
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