HC Deb 22 June 1966 vol 730 cc577-8
35. Mr. Winnick

asked the Lord President of the Council whether he will seek to refer to the Select Committee on Procedure the matter of the procedure for the Commons attendance at another place for the Royal Assent to Bills.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. Herbert Bowden)

I am considering whether any changes can be made in the procedure for notifying the House of the Royal Assent to Bills.

Mr. Winnick

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the present procedure of Black Rod is an out-dated pantomime and a farce? Will he not also agree that it is no use lecturing the country on the need for modernisation if we in the Commons retain all the old rituals which were out-dated many years ago?

Mr. Bowden

Without agreeing in total with what my hon. Friend has said, I have already said that this matter is being considered, but he will appreciate that it is not solely a matter for the House of Commons. Another place is concerned and, of course, the Royal Prerogative.

Dame Irene Ward

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that no alteration of any kind will be made until this House of Commons has its say in the matter? Is he aware that I disagree entirely with the supplementary question put by the hon. Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick), which I think is disgraceful?

Mr. Bowden

The hon. Lady probably heard me say that this is not solely a matter for the House of Commons, but I can give an assurance that before any change is made the House of Commons will be able to consider it.

Sir G. Nabarro

While not associating myself in any way with the supplementary question asked from behind the right hon. Gentleman——

Dame Irene Ward

Hear, hear.

Sir G. Nabarro

—not in any way— may I ask the Lord President of the Council to consider that it can be perfectly practicable, without interfering with the arrangements in this House, for the Royal Assent to be given in 20 minutes or half an hour immediately before lunch in the morning?-

Mr. Bowden

Yes, Sir. There are a number of ways in which this could be done. Many different proposals are at present being considered, but I urge the House not to ask us to hurry this because, of course, we would have to have the approval not only of this House but of another place and of Her Majesty.

Mr. Rankin

Could my right hon. Friend assure us that by the time we reach a conclusion in this matter in this House, the other place will still be in existence?