HC Deb 08 August 1918 vol 109 cc1534-5
46. Sir WILLOUGHBY DICKINSON

asked the Prime Minister whether His Majesty's Government has now been advised as to the legality of a woman being elected to and sitting in Parliament; and, if such action is not legal, whether he will introduce legislation to make it so?

47. Captain BARNETT

asked the Prime Minister whether any decision has yet been arrived at on the question whether women are legally qualified to sit in Parliament?

58. Mr. DUNCAN

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he can now-state the result of the inquiry into the question as to the legality of women being elected to Parliament?

Mr. BONAR LAW

In the unanimous opinion of the Law Officers of England, Scotland, and Ireland a woman is not entitled to be a candidate for Parliament. As regards the last part of the question of the right hon. Member for West Padding-ton, the subject has not been considered by the Government.

Sir R. COOPER

Does the Government intend, after the Recess, carefully to consider whether or not this matter should not be brought into conformity with the privileges which this House has given to women in according them the vote?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have said that the subject has not yet been considered, but that does not mean that it will not be considered.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

Will it be considered?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Oh, yes; certainly it will be considered.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

Is it not the fact that where the franchise has been granted to women their presence in Parliament has followed, if not immediately, eventually; and when the Bill was passed in this House was it not constantly said that there could be no question as to the admission of women to this House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I think the hon. Member is right. I remember that on the occasion this subject was discussed, it was repeatedly said that when we gave the franchise to women we could not refuse their admission to this House.

Sir J. D. REES

May I ask whether the reasons of the decision can be communicated to the House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I cannot give the reasons for the decision until a decision has been arrived at.

Sir J. D. REES

I mean the reasons of the Law Officers' decision.

Mr. BONAR LAW

I have seen their decision, and, as usual, they were wise enough not to give their reasons.