HC Deb 07 May 1952 vol 500 c382
46. Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Prime Minister when he anticipates instituting his proposals for the reform of the composition and powers of the House of Lords.

The Prime Minister

Her Majesty's Government intend to call an all-Party conference on this subject as soon as they have taken the necessary measures to deal with the more urgent tasks with which the present economic situation of the country confronts them.

Mr. Lewis

Can the Prime Minister give us any idea when that is likely to take place, or can we take it that this promise, as contained in the Election programme, will eventually be forgotten, as have all the other promises that have been made by the Government?

The Prime Minister

I think that is an impudent supplementary.

Mr. Lewis

While the Prime Minister may think that impudent, is he not aware of the fact that the mass of the people of the country know it to be true, and is he not further aware of the fact that the borough council elections will prove it?

Mr. Herbert Morrison

Is the Prime Minister's somewhat bad-tempered reply to my hon. Friend animated by the election news today?