§ 48. Brigadier-General CROFTasked the Prime Minister whether his attention has been called to the suggestion that all recommendations for titles should be referred to a Committee of the Privy Council in order to advise him if anything is known against the character of the pro posed recipients and to consider the adequacy of the reasons for the proposed honours; and whether he proposes to take any action in relation thereto?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and to the last part in the negative.
§ Sir R. COOPERMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he can deny that honours have been conferred in recent times on persons whose character would not bear investigation, and if not——
§ Mr. SPEAKEROrder, order.
§ Commander BELLAIRSWill he take into consideration that the Privy Council is a much older body than the Cabinet; in fact, that the Cabinet is a usurper of the Privy Council's functions?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI think my hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken; the Cabinet is a Committee of the Privy Council.
§ Brigadier-General CROFTIn view of the right hon. Gentleman's answer during the Debate, will he place before the Prime Minister the strong feeling there is in regard to the suggested Committee of the Privy Council?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI was not aware of that strong feeling. In the course of the Debate I pointed out—and I think I was right—that no Prime Minister could hand over his responsibilities to a Committee, and I did not find that the House disagreed with that.