Surely it would bo simply mad to propose some reform
which would introduce the electoral principle, direct or indirect, into the House of Lords and make that House a rival to the Commons. The real reason why the House of Commons both tolerates and respects the House of Lords is that it is utterly dissimilar from the Commons. The introduction of a Constitutional con- troversy on some drastic proposal for a so-called " strengthening " of the House of Lords would be like kicking up every dangerous sleeping dog in the country. What the Government require is peace and quiet for a vitally important programme of industrial reorgan- ization and social improvement. They would hopelessly queer their own pitch if they tried to turn the Lords into a Senate. The possibility of peace and quiet would disappear for two or three years. However, as the Government refused wantonly to stir up superfluous trouble in connexion with the Trade Union Levy Bill, we have the satisfaction of believing that they will be similarly wise in connexion with the House of Lords.
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