HC Deb 14 July 1887 vol 317 cc795-6
MR. P. STANHOPE (Wednesbury)

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention has been called to the following announcement in The Morning Post of the 11th July:— The Primrose League. The Duchess of Marlborough, as acting President of the Executive Committee of the Ladies' Grand Council of the Primrose League, had the honour of an audience of the Queen at Windsor Castle, on Thursday last, to present to Her Majesty the subjoined congratulatory address:— 'To the Queen's Most Excellent Majesty: 'May it please Your Majesty, we, the members of the Ladies' Grand Council of the Primrose League, humbly approach Your Majesty and crave permission respectfully to tender our loyal and dutiful congratulations on the auspicious completion of the 50th year of your glorious reign. '''We earnestly pray that it may please Almighty God long to spare Your Majesty to the many and various races of your vast Empire, which have so greatly prospered under your beneficent rule. '"Signed on behalf of the said Ladies' Grand Council by the Presidents, Vice Presidents, and members of the Executive Committee;' and, whether it is in accordance with Constitutional usage for addresses to be received from recognized Political Associations?

THE FIRST LORD (Mr. W. H. SMITH) (Strand, Westminster)

It is quite in accordance with Constitutional usage for all Associations, political or otherwise, to present addresses of congratulation to Her Majesty, provided that no debatable or contentious political matter is introduced into such addresses. Numerous examples of such addresses from Associations of all shades of politics have occurred. No exception could be taken to the language of the address from the Primrose League.

MR. P. STANHOPE

Will the right hon. Gentleman quote any single precedent to justify his statement?

MR. W. H. SMITH

I will endeavour to furnish the hon. Gentleman with examples.