HC Deb 22 July 1953 vol 518 cc373-4
45. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Prime Minister whether he has yet reached a decision on the introduction of legislation to amend the Regency Act. 1937.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Mr. R. A. Butler)

Amendment of the Regency Act, 1937, has been under consideration since shortly after The Queen's accession and was among the matters discussed with Commonwealth Prime Ministers when they were here for the Coronation. It is the Government's intention to introduce a Bill before Her Majesty leaves on Her Commonwealth Tour.

Mr. Attlee

May we assume that the contents of the proposed Bill will be agreeable to all the members of the Royal Family?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir. That is certainly the case, and I can give a definite answer to that in the affirmative.

Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this amending legislation has not been held up all this time by a desire on the part of some Ministers and their advisers to interfere with the wish of members of the Royal Family, in their private and personal affairs, to live their own lives?

Mr. Butler

Such a matter has never even required Ministerial advice, and it has never come before the Cabinet. I think I am voicing the opinion of all Members when I say that in a personal matter of this kind, the feelings of those concerned should be respected by everybody and the present deplorable speculation and gossip brought to an end.

Hon. Members

Hear, hear.