§ 47 and 48. Captain W. BENNasked the Prime Minister (1) what will be the number of each of the classes of which the new Upper House is to be composed;
§ (2) whether the new Joint Standing Committee to consider Money Bills will have the powers, and follow the procedure, of Joint Committees of both Houses?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINBoth the matters to which the hon. and gallant Member refers will no doubt be discussed while the Debate on the Resolutions is proceeding in the House of Lords, and it would be premature for me to attempt to deal with either of them at the present stage by question and answer.
§ Captain BENNWhy cannot the right hon. Gentleman answer the simple specific Question 47—whether the Cabinet have made up their mind about this?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe Government have invited the House of Lords to co-operate with them in the reform of that House. I do not think we can enter into negotiations with success, and produce a cut-and-dried scheme, without reference to the discussion which is proceeding.
§ Captain BENNDoes not the Prime Minister think that the House of Commons might be asked to co-operate, too?