§ Moved to resolve, That such a Chamber can best be obtained by the reform and reconstitution of the House of Lords.—(The Earl of Rosebery.)
§ THE EARL OF CREWEMy Lords, I think that this Resolution is, if I may venture to say so, the most open of the three to the criticism which was levelled I think more or less at them all by my 423 noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor. I have no desire to offer any definite opposition to this Resolution, but before giving a whole-hearted adhesion to it I confess I should like to see the plan. We have heard a great number of plans outlined, but it has not been shown that a satisfactory Second Chamber—without dwelling once more on the possible meanings which can be given to the words "strong and efficient"—can best be obtained by the reform and reconstitution of the House of Lords. Those terms are very wide, and before giving adhesion to them I should like to know what the precise plan is. I think this Resolution is open to the charge of putting the cart before the horse. I have, however, no desire on behalf of my noble friends to offer any opposition to it, but I do not think this is one of the cases where a general proposition is of much value, because everything depends upon the precise nature of the Chamber which you propose to create.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.