The EARL OF EGLINTOUNcomplained that, although a vacancy had occurred about a month ago in the representative Peerage of Scotland, owing to the death of a noble Lord who had enjoyed the honour of being one of the representatives of the Peerage of that country, no Royal Proclamation had yet been issued convening the Scotch Peers to elect his successor. Last Session, a noble Friend of his had brought a similar case before the House, when six months were allowed to elapse before the Royal Proclamation was issued. On that occasion it was stated that there was no certain period fixed within which the election was to take place, or within which notice was to be given to the Government that a vacancy had occurred. It was likewise stated that care should be taken that such delay should not occur in future. He thought that it was the duty of Government, in case there was no form at present by which notice could be given them of the death of a representative Peer, to frame such a notice forthwith.
§ The MARQUESS OF LANSDOWNEwas understood to say that no unnecessary delay would take place in issuing the Royal Proclamation, and that the delay which had occurred was unavoidable.
§ After a few words from the Earls of EGLINTOUN and FITZWILLIAM,
777§ LORD REDESDALEexpressed an opinion that legislation on this subject was necessary, and that a shorter time should be required for the filling up of any vacancy in the Scotch Representative Peerage.