HC Deb 30 May 1934 vol 290 cc166-7
25. Sir PARK GOFF

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the official designation or title of those of His Majesty's Lieutenants for English counties who are not also peers is Lord Lieutenant; and will he notify the local authorities concerned when cases in which the correct designation is not employed come to the notice of the Home Office?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The title "Lieutenant" is statutory, being used in Acts of Parliament from the 16th century onwards, and the designation officially used in all cases is "His Majesty's Lieutenant of the County of" The style "Lord Lieutenant" is, however, commonly used colloquially and in general correspondence, and is applied to the holders of such office whether they are peers or commoners. I do not think it necessary to communicate with local authorities in the matter.

Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUEL

Am I correct in understanding my right hon. Friend to say that, in describing as "Lord Lieutenant" one of His Majesty's Lieutenants of a county who is not a peer, the correct legal title is employed?

Sir J. GILMOUR

That title is commonly used, I think. It has grown up through long custom.