HC Deb 28 January 1918 vol 101 cc1302-3
47. Mr. KING

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give the names of the Committee appointed under the First Section of the Titles Deprivation Act; whether all the material available for its consideration has been prepared; how many persons with British titles are concerned in the material submitted to the Committee; and whether a Report from the Committee is to be expected shortly?

Mr. BONAR LAW

The names of the Committee are as follow:—

  • The Lord Chancellor,
  • The Lord President,
  • The Marquess of Lansdowne,
  • The Marquess of Salisbury,
  • The Marquess of Crewe,
  • The Earl of Desart,
  • The Earl of Beauchamp,
  • The Viscount Sandhurst,
  • The Lord Newton,
  • The Lord Stamfordham,
  • The Lord Sumner, and
  • The Lord Carnock.
Inquiries are being made with a view to ascertaining what material will be available for the consideration of the Committee; until that is known, the number of persons concerned cannot be definitely stated, nor can a date be named for the Report.

Mr. KING

Is there any particular reason why no Member of this House has been appointed on this Committee, and all Members of the other House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I was not aware of that, jut I think that the Committee was appointed in strict accordance with the Bill which was passed in this House.

Mr. LYNCH

Why on that Committee have there been appointed men who in the House of Lords defended these enemy principles?

Mr. BONAR LAW

I am not aware of that. In any case, I suppose that Members of the House of Lords have got the same right to express their opinions as the hon. Gentleman.