§ 17. Colonel WOODCOCKasked the Home Secretary if, in view of the long usage of the style of right honourable by several Lord Mayors of the United Kingdom through a misunderstanding which was not definitely made clear until the announcement in July last, he is prepared, in view of the circumstances relating to the misunderstanding, going back in some instances over 34 years, to advise the grant of this titular distinction to be conferred upon Lord Mayors who are not now entitled to use the prefix right honourable?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSFor the reasons which I gave in my previous answers on this matter on 25th July, I am afraid the answer must be in the negative.
§ Colonel WOODCOCKIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that prior to 25th July his own Department habitually committed this error and carried it on; and, in face of that fact, can he not reconsider his decision?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe answer to both parts of the Supplementary question are in the negative.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESIf I bring to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman cases of peers who use this title wrongly, will he take similar action in those cases? A large number use it without justification.
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. and gallant Member should put down another question.