HC Deb 17 July 1956 vol 556 cc1036-7
47. Mr. Swingler

asked the Prime Minister if he will now bring forward legislation to abolish the House of Lords.

The Prime Minister

No, Sir.

Mr. Swingler

Is the Prime Minister aware that that is a most disappointingly undemocratic reply which may dismay several sons of Peers in this House? Is he further aware that an increasing number of citizens are coming to agree with Oliver Cromwell when he said that the House of Lords is "useless, dangerous and ought to be abolished"?

The Prime Minister

I would not advise the hon. Gentleman to follow that line of thought. Oliver Cromwell's treatment of this House was hardly satisfactory.