§ Mr. J. G. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the use of the words constituted and empowered in the King's Speech, in relation to the House of Lords, has caused much doubt and uncertainty amongst Members of this House and the public; whether, in view of pending elections and the danger as shown by recent experience of ambiguous utterances, he will state whether the words quoted above indicate an intention on the part of the Government to reform the constitution, as well as to limit the powers, of the House of Lords; and whether the Resolutions or the Bills promised for dealing with the House of Lords will make provision for a reform in the constitution of that House?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am going to make a statement in a few moments on the subject referred to in the question.