Notes, in the form of questions by WSC and answers by ? on the possibility of holding a referendum on the House of Lords' veto.

Notes on a speech in the House of Commons asserting that the Government should, if necessary, compromise over the details of the Budget but should put forward a radical policy on the House of Lords.

Answer by Sir Hubert Llewellyn Smith to WSC's criticisms of Smith's suggestions for the reform of the relations between the House of Commons and the House of Lords [see CHAR 2/42/20-24 and CHAR 2/42/50-51]. Annotated typescript.

Notes [by Sir Hubert Llewellyn Smith] on reform of the relations between the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Extracts from various speeches made by WSC in 1909 and 1910 on the intention of the Liberals to end the veto of the House of Lords if returned at the general election. Annotated typescript.

Letter from C P Scott (The Firs, Fallowfield, Manchester) to WSC asserting that the Government's supporters feel betrayed by its apparent complete change of policy on the veto of the House of Lords.

Letter from C P Scott (The Guardian Office, Manchester) to WSC approving a proposal [? on the veto of the House of Lords] but fearing that Irish MPs would oppose it fearing its application to a Home Rule Bill. Hopes the "anti-Lords combination" can be kept together.

Letter from C P Scott (The Firs, Fallowfield, Manchester) to WSC noting WSC's role in the events of the previous night [in the House of Commons whereby the confrontation with the House of Lords was postponed] and asserting that the Government can hold power for years if it maintains its opposition to the Lords and cultivates Free Trade interests in the north of England.

Letter from C P Scott (The Firs, Fallowfield, Manchester) to WSC acknowledging that the Liberals are right to address the hereditary basis of the Second Chamber provided that it does not interfere with the immediate issue of the veto of the House of Lords.

Letter from William Royle, chairman of the executive committee of the Manchester Liberal Federation (20 York Street, Manchester) to WSC thanking him for agreeing to address a demonstration in the Free Trade Hall and assuring him of the loyalty of the Liberal Party to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet and their approval of their strong attitude towards the veto of the House of Lords.

Letter from Herbert Asquith [later Lord Oxford and Asquith] (10 Downing Street) to WSC praising his speech [in the House of Commons on the Government's proposals on the veto of the House of Lords] except for the sentence associating the Crown with the people.

Letter from Lord Morley [earlier John Morely] (India Office) to WSC on the division of labour between himself and Lord Crewe and his (Morley's) clash with WSC in the Cabinet over Government policy on the veto of the House of Lords.

Letter from David Lloyd George (House of Commons) reporting that the Irish Nationalist MPs will be asked to vote for the Government and will join a demonstration in Hyde Park [London] against the House of Lords. Expresses confidence about the Government's prospects.

Letter from ? J H (41 Cadogan Square, [London] enclosing and commenting on a pamphlet of 1719 on the independence of the House of Lords [see CHAR 2/51//82]. Annotated with WSC's instruction to "write a vy civil reply & post by hand.".

"The constitution explain'd, in relation to the independency of the House of Lords. With reasons for strengthning that branch of the legislature most liable to abuse. And an answer to all the objections made to the now-reviv'd Peerage Bill." Sent with CHAR 2/51/81. [2,5-71,[1]p].

Letter from WSC to Baron de Forest wishing him luck in his electoral contest in West Ham [London] and explaining the value of the National Insurance Bill. Pledges that the Government will not give up its struggle with the House of Lords now that it has reached "the last round." Typescript copy annotated and signed by Edward Marsh.

Letter from WSC (House of Commons) to King Edward VII describing events in the House of Commons including: the announcement of the Prime Minister [Herbert Asquith] regarding the Government's intentions on the reform of the relations between the two Houses of Parliament and the [1909] Budget; and [John] Redmond's "menacing" speech on the position of the Irish [National] Party.

Letter from WSC (House of Commons) to King Edward VII describing events in the House of Commons including: the speeches of [George] Barnes, F E Smith [later Lord Birkenhead], [William] O'Brien, [William] Moore, WSC and Walter Ling on proposals for Parliamentary reform.

Letter from WSC (House of Commons) to King Edward VII describing events in the House of Commons including: a debate over Free Trade and Protection between [Alfred] Mond and Samuel Storey [later Lord Buckton]; the maiden speech of [Eliot] Crawshay Williams; [Arthur] Balfour's speech in favour of Protection and WSC's comments on the issue. WSC also discusses the small Government majority and the task of carrying through "tremendous constitutional changes".

Letter from WSC (Home Office) to King Edward VII describing events in the House of Commons including: discussion of an amendment relating to the hops industry; the weak position of the government due to the disillusionment of their supporters regarding legislation on the constitution and veto of the House of Lords; the necessity of a statement on the subject by the Prime Minister [Herbert Asquith] so that financial business, including discussion of the naval estimates, may be continued.

Letter from WSC (Home Office) to King Edward VII describing events in the House of Commons including: the smooth progression of financial business; discussion of Government borrowing; WSC's opinion that the Government has not surrendered to the Irish [Nationalists] and his comments on the strength of the constitution.

Letter from WSC (House of Commons) to King Edward VII describing events in the House of Commons including: discussion of Government borrowing and the passage of the [1909] Budget; and the influence of the House of Lords over the passage of financial bills.