§ Mr. SNOWDEN (for Mr. Shackleton)asked, in view of the majority by which the Parliamentary Franchise (Women) Bill was carried on the Second Reading, what facilities would be given for its further stages in the present Session in this House?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated on 23rd June, the Government cannot give any further facilities to this Bill in the present Session.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the Government have yet considered the desirability of taking the opinion of the electorate on this matter by Referendum?
§ Mr. SNOWDENWith reference to the answer given by the Prime Minister on 23rd June, is it not the fact that on that occasion the right hon. Gentleman said that this House, if it so desired, should have full opportunity for considering this question, and, in view of that statement, are not the Government prepared to stand by the promise made by the Prime Minister?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI think the hon. Member is mistaken as to the pledge given by the Prime Minister. The pledge given was that the Government in this Parliament would give an opportunity for effectively dealing with the whole question. But inasmuch as this Bill is so framed that the House of Commons cannot effectively deal with the whole question, but only with a part of it we certainly cannot give further facilities.
§ Mr. SNOWDENMay I ask if the decision announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in his first answer was arrived at in order to ensure that the will of the people, as expressed by their representatives, should take full effect during the lifetime of one Parliament?
§ Mr. LLOYD GEORGEI quite agree, but if Bills are so framed that you cannot even ascertain what the will of the people's representatives is, then there is no reason why special opportunities should be given for dealing with such Bills.
§ Mr. SNOWDENIs it not the fact that this House of Commons has declared by a majority that it wants this Bill to be passed into law, and is not the House of Commons to be permitted to give effect to its vote? May I also ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer to state what is the difference between the veto of a non-elected Prime Minister and the veto of a non-elected House of Lords?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNo man can answer the second question, and the first question everybody can answer for himself.
§ Mr. KEIR HARDIESince the Government are not satisfied with the form of the Bill before the House, may I ask whether they are prepared to introduce one of their own to give effect to their own ideas on the subject?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member should give notice of that question.