HC Deb 18 June 1953 vol 516 cc1186-7
The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Harry Crookshank)

I hope that hon. Members will allow me, however unusual it may be, to refer to an ex-Member of the House, to note with sorrow the death of Miss Margaret Bondfield, announced today. It is many years now since the right hon. Lady graced our assembly. She was not a Member for very long, but she will always have a unique place in the history of Parliament. She was the first Lady to be admitted to the Privy Council and the first right hon. Lady to be a Cabinet Minister. She was Minister of Labour at a very difficult period, but she was a good Parliamentarian. As one who had constantly to cross swords with her, I know that she was always a courteous and generous opponent. Let us then, as a House, salute her memory and express our sympathy with her relatives and friends.

Hon. Members: Hear, hear.

Mr. Attlee

I should like to associate hon. Members on this side of the House with the tribute that the right hon. Gentleman has paid to Miss Margaret Bond-field. She was a very distinguished Member of this House and she gave unwearied service for very many years to the cause of women workers. She was a very old friend and colleague of mine. She was a very fine character.