DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in order to carry out more effectually the principle of the absolute equality of all Members of this House, he will consider the propriety of depriving Members of the Bar of the exclusive privilege they now enjoy of being addressed as "honourable and learned"?
§ MR. RENTOUL (Down, E.)Before the right hon. Gentleman replies I should like to ask whether, to carry out more effectually the equality of Members, he will consider the advisability of depriving them of the right of putting themselves down on the Notice Paper under the title of "Doctor"?
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEI think it is evident to my hon. Friend from what has already taken place that if I were to give an incautious answer we might become involved in great complications. My hon. Friend will take note that this is a matter entirely of private judgment and free independent practice, in which it would be very dangerous for me to attempt to interfere.