HC Deb 11 July 1922 vol 156 cc1056-7
Sir D. MACLEAN (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the draft Resolutions in regard to the reform of the Second Chamber are to be published?

Mr. CHURCHILL

An announcement will be made this afternoon in another place, and it is hoped that the text of the Resolutions will be available as a Parliamentary Paper at 6 o'clock this evening, or, possibly, shortly after that time.

Sir D. MACLEAN

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House whether these draft Resolutions are to be debated and decided upon in another place before the House rises?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand it is the intention that they shall be debated next week in another place. Whether they will be decided upon is another matter. The subject is very extensive, and may meet with very considerable discussion.

Mr. LAMBERT

Is it proposed to bring these Resolutions before the House of Commons?

Mr. CHURCHILL

Not in the first instance. They primarily concern the Second Chamber, and our function arises more in regard to the relation between the two Houses than in regard to the exact composition of the Second Chamber, though both, no doubt. are within the purview of this House.

Captain BENN

Is it the intention of the Government to pass these Resolutions or to found any legislation on them before the dissolution?

Mr. CHURCHILL

The intentions of the Government have been so abundantly declared in this matter that I should not like to attempt to add anything.