HC Deb 05 February 1918 vol 101 c2090
58. Mr. KING

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that there are seventy-nine Members of this House who are members of His Majesty's Privy Council; and whether he will give the reason why, in appointing a Committee under Section 1 of the Titles Deprivation Act, L917, twelve peers were appointed and not one Member of the House of Commons?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The persons incriminated being either the holders of peerages or entitled to their succession, the inquisition into the matter is properly confined to members of the Privy Council who are peers.

Mr. KING

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it was a demand made in this House and not in the other House which led to the Bill being passed at all?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As a general question of law, if peers are to be deprived of their titles it is by their peers.