§ MR. SCOTT-MONTAGU (Hampshire, New Forest)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether it is the intention of the Government to proceed this session with the Bill for removing the necessity for re-election in the case of acceptance of office by Members of the House of Commons.
§ MR. A. J. BALFOURThe Bill to which my hon. friend refers is ready. Notice of it appeared in the King's Speech of last year. I adhere to the strong view which I have held for many years that the present rule as to 668 re-election is inimical to the best interests of the country; and if I had any chance of passing the Bill without discussion I should be glad to do so, if not for our benefit, at all events for the benefit of our successors. I myself believe it is one of the most antiquated prejudices which induces us to stick to this rule, and I am convinced many years will not elapse before, by common consent, it is abolished.