§ Mr. BARNSTONasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increase, due to new creations, in the number of legislating peers, he can give any indication as to the date when he proposes to introduce his promised legislation whereby these numbers will be curtailed and not, as is now the case, augmented?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer the hon. Member to an answer which I gave yesterday in reply to a similar question by the hon. Member for the Ludlow Division (Mr. Hunt).
§ Mr. BARNSTONIs the right hon. Gentleman still of the opinion that this question is one that brooks no delay?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo avoidable delay.
§ Mr. REMNANTMay I ask has any Bill been prepared dealing with this matter?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir; the hon. Member may not ask that question. If he does ask it, I cannot answer it.
§ Mr. CROFTasked whether the Government has abandoned its determination to reform the House of Lords?
§ The PRIME MINISTERNo, Sir.
§ Mr. CROFTHas the right hon. Gentleman's attention been called to a speech of the Lord Advocate reported during the Recess in which he stated that the talk of reforming the House of Lords was folly and moonshine, and was that statement authorised?
§ Sir W. BYLESSeeing that the House of Lords has now been rendered innocuous, will the right hon. Gentleman consider the policy of leaving well alone?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy answer out of which these supplemental arose was the word "No." I understand the Lord Advocate denies the statement attributed to him.