HC Deb 13 March 1941 vol 369 c1418
46. Mr. R. Gibson

asked the Prime Minister whether he will take steps to ensure that, when disabilities and restrictions of Members of Parliament are next brought under review, the same disqualifications and limitations will apply to Members of the House of Lords as are applicable to Members of the House of Commons; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?

Mr. Attlee

I do not appreciate to what disqualifications and limitations my hon. and learned Friend refers. Disqualifications with regard to election cannot apply to the House of Lords. If my hon. and learned Friend is referring to Privilege, each House is the guardian of its own Privileges.

Mr. Gibson

Will my right hon. Friend keep in mind that there are certain disqualifications which appertain to Members of this House due to circumstances that existed during the reign of Queen Anne but which no longer obtain? Will he also keep in mind that Members of the other House are still legislators; and is there any reason in principle why the disqualifications which affect Members of this House should not also affect Members of the other House?