§ 76. Mr. Manderasked the Attorney-General whether he will consider the question of the need in future for Members of this House to take a fresh Oath to the new Sovereign after a demise of the Crown, in view of the fact that the Oath previously taken has been to the occupant of the Throne, his heirs, and successors?
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Donald Somervell)The obligation to take a fresh Oath to the new Sovereign after a demise of the Crown in my opinion ceased to be statutory in the eighteenth century. Since then, however, it has been continued by custom of Parliament. Nothing has been suggested to me which would lead me to suppose that the House desires any change.
§ Mr. ManderAm I to understand that it would, as a matter of fact, be in order for an hon. Member to carry on his duties without being re-sworn?
§ The Attorney-GeneralNo, I do not think the hon. Member must understand that. The question of the sanction behind the customs of Parliament is a question for the House, and not one on which it is proper for me to express an opinion.