§ 46. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Prime Minister whether he is 1412 in a position to make any statement as to the Government's intentions with regard to the proposed reform of the House of Lords; and whether he proposes to deal with this matter during the lifetime of the present Parliament?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Baldwin)The answer to the first part of the question is in the negative and to the last part in the affirmative.
Captain BENNWhat answer did the Prime Minister return to the assertion by the right hon. Member for Wells (Sir R. Sanders), that the Conservative party do not represent a majority of the electors of this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know to what my hon. and gallant Friend alludes.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDDoes the Prime Minister really believe that this Government has any right whatever to make such a huge constitutional change for the purpose of protecting his own party now against public opinion?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe right hon. Gentleman must see the proposals before he describes them as "a huge constitutional change."
§ Mr. BATEYIs the Prime Minister aware of the result of the Wallsend by-election; and, in view of that result, does he not think it unwise to do anything with the House of Lords?
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it intended to introduce this proposed Measure in the Autumn Session this year?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe words used were "in the lifetime of the present Parliament."
Captain BENNThe right hon. Member for Wells, who introduced the deputation; said that the Conservative party do not represent a majority of the electorate. I ask the Prime Minister whether that is his opinion, and what answer he gave?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI did not hear such a statement from the right hon. Baronet.
Commander WILLIAMSCould not this particular desire for reform be met by a little accelerated promotion?
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYThat is a very indelicate suggestion.
§ Mr. SPEAKERHon. Members must not make their requests so publicly.