Mr. Bonar aw pointed out the awkward position of the Opposition. If they said "no" it implied that they opposed the principle of the Bill; if they said "yes," it implied that they approved the Bill as it stood. If the amendment were considered apart, the party would have an overwhelming majority in the House of Commons. The Opposition would vote for the amendment, but 20 far as be was concerned, he would take no part in any farther division, leaving it to the Govern ment's responsibility.
Mr. Forster's amendment was rejected by 320 votes to 223.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.