7 MAY 1927, Page 2

Sir John Simon's speech on Wednesday was an intensely interesting

piece of reasoning. He accepted without demur the purpose of the Bill, but doubted whether its faulty definitions would be of any use. He would have preferred a one-clause Bill simply enacting that all actions by employers or employed calculated to coerce the Government were illegal conspiracies. Mr. Baldwin's speech was a very quiet apologia for his change of policy ; he had hoped and worked for peace and it was not till every act of moderation had been proved impotent that he felt compelled to act on the mandate which was - given to the Government by " the history of open extremism." During this speech the insults and inter- ruptions were incessant and the Speaker had to suspend Mr. Beckett for calling Mr. Baldwin a liar. * * * *