§ Mr. EVELYN CECILasked whether the Prime Minister was aware that it is laid down by Blackstone that all Bills that may in their consequences in any way affect the right of the peerage are, by the custom of Parliament, to have their first rise and beginning in the House of Peers, and to suffer no changes or amendments in the House of Commons; and whether, in any 30 policy which His Majesty's Government adopt in regard to the House of Lords, they will adhere to this constitutional maxim?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have not had time as yet to refresh my memory as to what Blackstone has written on this subject. Perhaps the hon. Member will postpone the question for a few days?
§ Mr. EVELYN CECILDoes the right hon. Gentleman, propose to subordinate constitutional law to party tactics?
§ Mr. GIBSON BOWLESIs it not the fact that the Irish bishops were turned out of the House of Lords by a Bill which originated in this House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI have no doubt my hon. Friend is right, as he always is in matters of this kind. I would like to refresh my memory.
§ Sir FREDERICK BANBURYBefore proceeding with these Resolutions; will the right hon. Gentleman wait until he has seen what Blackstone says?