The action of the House of Lords in amending the
Safe- guaeding of Industries Bill, at the instance of Lord Crewe and Lord Midleton, led to a mild passage of arms between the two Houses on Thursday, August 18th. The Speaker reported that the amendments to what he regarded as a " Money Bill " in- fringed the privilege of the Commons. Mr. Chamberlain, while noting that Lord Crewe, one of the authors of the Parliament Act, had violated it by his amendment, asked the House to reject all the amendments in accordance with its old practice, without invoking the new Act. Mr. Asquith supported him, but admitted that he regarded the amendments with favour. When the Bill was returned to the Lords, they agreed not to insist on their amendments. But peers on both sides criticised the Speaker's ruling, maintaining that this so-called " Money Bill " was not a Revenue Bill, but dealt with large questions affecting commerce and industry.
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