§ 48. Mr. THURTLEasked the Prime Minister whether the Government will consider the introduction of legislation for the purpose of abolishing the right of a peer to be tried by his fellow peers on certain charges, thus making all citizens subject to the same processes of law?
§ 50. Mr. KENNEDYasked the Prime Minister whether, and if so when, it is the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce legislation to discontinue the procedure of the trial of peers on charges of felony in the Court of the High Steward, as exemplified in the recent case of Lord de Clifford?
§ 58. Mr. LUNNasked the Attorney-General whether he will consider taking steps to secure the uniform administration of the law as between peer and commoner?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL (Sir Thomas Inskip)I have been asked to reply. I should prefer to postpone any statement as to new legislation until the matter can be further considered. I am not aware of any matter in which the administration of the law is not uniform as between peers and commoners charged with an offence, except that in cases of treason, murder, and felony, a, peer has the somewhat doubtful privilege of being tried by his peers.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that this archaic and costly class distinction is very unpopular?
§ 59. Sir P. HARRISasked the Attorney-General what is the estimated cost of the trial in the House of Lords of Lord de Clifford?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALI understand that the charge to public funds will be in the neighbourhood of £700.
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERALNot from the county.