HC Deb 12 May 1948 vol 450 cc2116-7
42. Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

asked the Prime Minister if he will now state the Government's policy in regard to reform of the composition of the House of Lords.

The Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee)

Paragraph 5 of the White Paper on the Parliament Bill summarises certain general proposals for reforming the composition of the House of Lords. These I should have been prepared to commend in principle to the Labour Party if it had been possible to find a basis for agreement between the Parties covering both the composition and the powers of a Second Chamber.

Mr. Chamberlain

While thanking the Prime Minister for that information, may I ask him if he is aware that the clear intention of the Government to introduce women into the House of Lords and to abolish the hereditary principle has given great satisfaction to the country?

Mr. Lipson

Will the Government consider continuing their efforts to try to bridge the gap following the conference between the parties?

The Prime Minister

We have given a great deal of time and consideration to try to come to an agreement, and we have failed. I do not think it would be useful to reopen the matter at the present moment.