MR. JOSEPH COWENasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If, with a view to the more equitable distribution of legislative labour, some of the chief measures of the Government could not in future be initiated in the other House of Parliament?
MR. GLADSTONESir, this is a question of much interest and importance, and I may state that it has been present to the mind of this and, I believe, preceding Governments. But very great difficulty is found in giving effect to what appears on the surface to be a most reasonable proposal. It is supposed that time may be gained by introducing various important measures first in the House of Lords. Once or twice we made some serious experiments of that kind; but 279 we found in the issue that we gained nothing whatever in consequence of the large alterations and the cuttings and carvings that were deemed necessary. Still, the question is never lost sight of, and the introduction and passing of the Medical Bill in the House of Lords is an indication of what we are willing to do. I quite agree in the opinion that is conveyed in the Question; and what I hope is, that if the House ever obtains command over the conduct of its own Business, that steps will be taken to originate measures more frequently in the House of Lords.