An amendment was subsequently moved by Sir P. Magnus to
except from the operation of the Parliament Bill any Bill for modifying it. Mr. Asquith replied that the amendment would "stereotype in this particular matter a very serious inequality in the State." For, supposing the next year a House of Commons were elected with a Unionist majority, they could alter every one of the provisions in the Bill, since they would have the assent of the other Chamber. The disability to alter the Parliament Bill would consequently lie only upon it Liberal Government. Mr. Balfour replied that the remedy for this unfair advantage was the reform of the House of Lords. But meanwhile they were asked to assent to a revolu- tion which makes every subsequent revolution the question of a mere majority in the House of Commons. " Yon are asking us to substitute for the ancient foundation of this Constitu- tion a foundation on moving sand that a breath may sweep away."
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