HC Deb 31 October 1916 vol 86 cc1523-4
55. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether he has a Bill in preparation destined to remove from the Peerage and from citizenship in this country those Members of the House of Lords, for instance, German princes, who are now in arms against the Allies; if not, why is this not to be done; and, if so, why the introduction of the Bill is delayed?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The exact form which the necessary legislation should take is now under consideration by the Government, and we hope to introduce it without undue delay, probably in another place.

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask why there has been this delay? There has been more time wasted in answering questions than would have been necessary to pass a Bill through the House.

56. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether he will submit to the House a statement giving the names of all the Members of the House of Lords who are now in arms against the Allies, together with the amount of the pensions the payment of which may be still due to them, and also a statement of the services to this country which have placed them in a position of special privilege?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is, I am informed, doubtful whether the Dukes of Cumberland and Albany, whom I presume the hon. Member has in mind, are actually Members of the House of Lords. I do not know of any other persons in arms against us who could be considered Members of that House. The answer to the second part of the question is that no such payments are due, and the third part, therefore, does not arise.

Mr. LYNCH

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman on this point of doubt whether they are really Members of the House of Lords, he will see fit, if they really are Members of that House, to remove them from that position, instead of protecting them as the Government has been doing?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have just read the answer that it is going to be done.

Mr. LYNCH

Yes, but there was a point of doubt.