48. Mr. PONSONBYasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the Hereditary Titles (Termination) Bill has passed through Committee without amendment; and whether, in view of the fact that a private Member is not in a position to advise the Crown to place its interests at the disposal of Parliament, he will, as a Minister of the Crown, on behalf of the hon. Member for Stirling Burghs, recommend 920 His Majesty to place his interests in connection with the conferring of hereditary titles at the disposal of Parliament; and, having obtained His Majesty's sanction, will he give time for the Report and Third Reading of this measure, which in its first three stages has met with no opposition or criticism whatsoever, and can, therefore, be regarded as a non-contentious Bill?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first branch of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the two latter branches, I understand that the Bill referred to cannot be regarded as unopposed, and I do not, therefore, see my way to accede to my hon. Friend's request.
Mr. PONSONBYWill the Prime Minister reconsider his decision, in view of the fact that a discussion in another place by Noble Lords who are chiefly affected by the provisions of the Bill, would be of great public interest?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid that is not a sufficient reason.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLIs it not within the competence of the hon. Member to move an Address to the Throne asking His Majesty to place his interest at the-disposal of Parliament?