§ Mr. HENRYasked the Attorney-General if he will take into consideration the desirability of taking the necessary steps, by legislation or otherwise, to ensure that Members of the House of Lords, who are not permitted to take part in or vote at Parliamentary elections, shall not be allowed to send vehicles or motor-cars to assist during the time the elections are in progress?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Wm. Robson)So far as this question relates to proposals for legislation I think it should be addressed to one of my right hon. Friends in the Cabinet. Perhaps, how- 717 ever, I may be permitted to say that the most appropriate time for suggesting legislation would be when the whole matter of the relation between the two Houses comes up for readjustment. As to taking steps otherwise than by legislation my answer is in the negative.
§ Earl WINTERTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say when will be an appropriate date for raising the question of the relations between the two Houses?
§ Sir WILLIAM ROBSONIt does not rest with me to fix an early day, or I should certainly do so.
§ Mr. CROOKSMay I ask you, Sir, whether the question put down by the hon. Member is not a direct interference with the Order of this House that Peers should take no part in elections? Would the lending of a motor-car mean that a Peer took part in an election?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt is a matter for the House to decide whether or not the Standing Order is carried out. If I remember aright, I think there was a discussion of the question of lending carriages, but that was before the days of motor-cars. I do not know whether they have made any difference.