HC Deb 22 July 1918 vol 108 c1453
52. Mr. WHITEHOUSE

asked the Prime Minister the result of the conference on the question of the admission of women to this House?

Mr. BONAR LAW

This question is still under consideration.

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

In view of the importance of this matter and the desirability of its being settled before a General Election takes place, can the right hon. Gentleman say what steps will be taken to expedite a decision?

Mr. BONAR LAW

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, this aspect of the question is entirely a matter of what is the law? It is now being examined by the Law Officers.

Mr. SAMUEL

Does the right hon. Gentleman expect to be able to answer a question on the subject before the Adjournment?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Yes; I hope within a week.

Mr. ROCH

Will any opinion of the Law Officers settle the matter? If it is a matter of law, will it not have to be determined by the Courts?

Mr. BONAR LAW

That may be so, but it would be an advantage to have the opinion of the Law Officers as to what the law is.

Sir E. CARSON

Is there any doubt what their opinion will be?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Unless there was a doubt it would not have been submitted to them.