HC Deb 16 April 1918 vol 105 cc213-4
45. Mr. KING

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the feeling in British countries, in France, in the United States, and all democratic countries against hereditary privileges and titles, and that this feeling has found recently strong expression, especially in Canada and the United States; and whether he will introduce legislation to provide for the limitation of peerages and baronetcies to three successive holders?

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)

The answer is in the negative.

Mr. KING

Does the right hon. Gentleman not recognise that at this time it is -quite unwise to embark upon a new policy which will cause friction in any part of our Colonies?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I do not know to what new policy the hon. Member refers.

Mr. KING

Is it not a new policy to make hereditary titles in families which are exclusively located and domiciled in our Colonies?

Mr. BONAR LAW

It is not a new policy, but I think I am right in saying that no title of that kind has been conferred except with the knowledge and approval of the Prime Minister of the country concerned.

Mr. FLAVIN

Will the Chancellor of the Exchequer consider the advisability of sending the hon. Member for North Somerset to another place?

46. Mr. LYNCH

asked the Prime Minister whether the Government has received an intimation from the Government of Canada advising against the creation of hereditary titles in Canada; whether he is aware that in other Dominions objection exists amongst the majority of the people to a system tending to create invidious distinctions in regard to citizens; and whether he will assure the House that the practice of bestowing hereditary titles upon men who are citizens of Dominions shall cease?

The UNDER-SECRETARY Of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Hewins)

I am in communication with the Canadian Government on the subject, but not with other Dominion Governments. I am not prepared to make any statement on the subject at present.

Mr. LYNCH

Will the hon. Gentleman make representations to the War Cabinet saying that if it is necessary to appeal to a democracy, detriment may be done to the cause by introducing these invidious distinctions?

Mr. HEWINS

I do not know that it is necessary to make such a representation to the War Cabinet.