§ SIR JOHN LENG (Dundee)To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in default of any public demand for the Licensing Bill and the number of Petitions against it, the objections to a large increase of taxes in a time of peace, and the continued declarations of the constituencies against the Government, he will withdraw all seriously contentious measure and wind up the business of the session, in order to submit the policy of Ministers to the judgment of the country.
(Answered by Mr. A. J. Balfour.) I do not propose to take the course suggested by the hon. Member unless the Government incur such a defeat as proves that they have lost the confidence of the House of Commons; or unless they fail to secure that day to day support which is necessary in order effectively to carry on Parliamentary business. In either of these events, they would, of course, immediately ask relief from responsibilities, which they are not sustaining for their own comfort or satisfaction.