HC Deb 27 June 1921 vol 143 cc1790-1
31. Sir F. HALL

asked the Prime Minister when the Government propose to fulfil the repeated pledges to introduce legislation to provide for the re-constitution of the House of Lords?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My hon. and gallant Friend must know that it is impossible to deal with a question of this magnitude and importance this Session, but we hope to submit our proposals early next Session.

Mr. BOTTOMLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Government have decided to this extent, that under the new reform of the House of Lords Ministers will be entitled to sit in either House, and that therefore we may look forward to seeing the Lord Chancellor here again shortly?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I think it would be inadvisable to disclose the proposals of His Majesty's Government.

Colonel ASHLEY

Are we to understand that the reform of the House of Lords will be the first item of the Government's programme for next year?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

As far as I can forecast the programme of the future Session of Parliament, it will be our main legislative proposal.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

If there is to be an Autumn Session, will the Government be able to implement the pledge this year, seeing that they may never have another Session?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

There is not to be an Autumn Session.

Mr. W. THORNE

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think this is the last Parliamentary Session of this Government?