HC Deb 08 March 1911 vol 22 cc1193-4
Mr. NEVILLE

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies, whether previously to the introduction of the Parliament Bills Referendum Act, 1908 (Queensland, 8 Edw. 7, No. 16), Mr. Kidston, the then Prime Minister of Queensland, requested His Majesty's Governor, Lord Chelmsford, to nominate, in virtue of the prerogative of the Crown, such a number of persons to be members of the Legislative Council, Upper Chamber, as would be sufficient to swamp that Chamber's opposition to the measures carried by the Legislative Assembly, Lower Chamber; if so, whether Lord Chelmsford refused to remove the deadlock in 1908 which arose between the Upper and Lower Chamber of that State by nominating such a number of persons as would swamp its opposition; and, if so, can he explain why such a refusal was given?

Mr. LEWIS HARCOURT

In the exercise of his personal discretion, Lord Chelmsford declined to accept Mr. Kidston's recommendation that if absolutely necessary he would appoint additional members to the Legislative Council to secure the passing of the Bills in dispute. The Governor's action was due to the fact that he considered that a question so vitally affecting the relation of the two Houses should be submitted to the people at a General Election. As a result of the election Mr. Kidston (like some other Prime Ministers) secured a majority for his policy, and the Legislative Council (in my opinion wisely) accepted the measures in dispute.

Mr. NEVILLE

Does His Majesty's Government approve or disapprove of Lord Chelmsford's refusal to remove the deadlock by swamping the Upper House?

Mr. HARCOURT

I have not expressed—and do not intend to express—any opinion upon Lord Chelmsford's action.

Mr. NEVILLE

Was the matter referred to the Home Secretary by Lord Chelmsford before he gave his decision?

Mr. HARCOURT

That is a question of which I should like notice.