The situation on the Radical side at this juncture may be best understood by reference to the resolutions passed in the House of Commons, and the text of a "Parliament Bill" of which As quith had given notice. The text, alike of the resolutions and of the Parliament Bill, virtually disestablishing the House of Lords as a co-equal and independent estate of the realm in legislation, was almost identical with the subsequent Parliament Act of 1911 (see p. 324) and as such it received a kind of "mandate" at the General Election of Dec. 191o.
Meanwhile, in the House of Lords, Lord Rosebery had carried three resolutions declaring certain principles for the reform of the second chamber, which were assented to by the Unionist leaders ; the policy opposed to that of the Government thus became that of willingness for reform of the constitution of the Upper Chamber, but not for abolition of its powers.
During the summer and autumn the private meetings between the eight leaders were continued, until 20 had been held. But on Nov. 10 Asquith issued a brief statement that the conference on the constitutional question had come to an end, without arriving at an agreement. Within a few days he announced that another appeal would at once be made to the electorate. The Parliament Bill was hurriedly introduced into the House of Lords, with a statement by Lord Crewe that no amendments would be ac cepted. The dissolution was fixed for Nov. 28. Time was short for any declaration of policy by the Unionist peers, but it was given shape at once, first by the adoption of a further resolution moved by Lord Rosebery for the remodelling of the Upper House, and secondly by Lord Lansdowne's shelving the Parliament Bill by coupling the adjournment of the debate on it with the adoption of resolutions providing for the settlement of differences between a reconstituted Upper House and the House of Commons. These resolutions still possess something more than historical importance, in view of the revival in 1927, by the Conservative Party, of plans for the reform of the House of Lords.
Lord Rosebery's additional resolution provided that "in future the House of Lords shall consist of lords of parliament : (a) chosen by the whole body of hereditary peers from among them selves and by nomination by the Crown; (b) sitting by virtue of offices and of qualifications held by them; (c) chosen from out side." The Lansdowne resolutions provided in effect that, when
the House of Lords had been "reconstituted and reduced in num bers" in accordance with Lord Rosebery's plan, (I) any differ ences arising between the two houses with regard to a bill other than a money bill, in two successive sessions, and within an inter val of not less than one year, should be settled, if not adjustable otherwise, in a joint sitting composed of members of both houses, except in the case of "a matter which is of great gravity and has not been adequately submitted to the judgment of the people," which should then be "submitted for decision to the electors by Referendum"; (2) and as to money bills, the Lords were prepared to forgo their constitutional right of rejection or amendment, if effectual provision were made against "tacking," the decision whether other than financial matters were dealt with in the bill resting with a joint committee of both Houses, with the Speaker of the House of Commons as chairman, having a casting vote only.
The general election took place in December, and resulted practically in no change from the previous situation. Asquith retained an apparent majority of 126 for the ministerial policy, resting as it did on the determination of the Irish Nationalists to pave the way for Home Rule by destroying the veto of the House of Lords.