HC Deb 04 December 1945 vol 416 cc2093-4
45. Mr. Stamford

asked the Prime Minister whether he will give an assurance that he will make no further recommendations for hereditary titles conferred either for political reasons or in recognition of public services.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

No, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister has nothing to add to the reply which he gave to my hon. Friend the Member for the Tradeston division of Glasgow (Mr. Rankin) on 18th October last.

Mr. Stamford

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that these hereditary titles are quite indefensible in present circumstances, and will he bear in mind that they have always been strongly resisted by the Labour Party?

Mr. Morrison

I am not quite sure about "always," but in any case the essential constitutional point is that there is another place which is part of the Legislature, and it really is essential that the Government, as well as other people, should be represented in it.

Mr. Wilson Harris

Has the right hon. Gentleman sufficiently considered the affirmation in a well-known hymn:

"There is room for fresh creations In that upper home of bliss"?

Mr. Charles Williams

Will not that other place be found very useful when the first Government reshuffle comes?