§ Q6. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Prime Minister if he will now introduce new legislation to remove the delaying powers of the House of Lords in respect of legislation and statutory instruments.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer my hon. Friend to my reply to his supplementary question following my statement on 17th April.—[Vol. 781, c. 1338–44.]
§ Mr. HamiltonIs my right hon. Friend aware that his answer was not very forthcoming? Will he undertake to introduce a short, simple Bill to destroy the powers of the other place, a Measure which would command universal support on this side of the House?
§ The Prime MinisterAs in my previous statement, may I say that perhaps if it had not been for the delaying power of my hon. Friend, this legislation would now be on the Statute Book.
§ Mr. SandysMay we assume that in future the Government will not introduce any new legislation, on this or any other subject, without obtaining the approval of the right hon. Member for Sowerby (Mr. Houghton)?
§ The Prime MinisterThe right hon. Gentleman, whose frustrations in all matters within his own party are well known, must not assume that my right hon. Friend the Member for Sowerby (Mr. Houghton) exercises in relation to this Front Bench what the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Wolverhampton, South-West (Mr. Powell) exercises in relation to that Front Bench.