Lords Sitting of 14 March 1923

Preamble
The House met at a quarter before four of the clock, The LORD CHANCELLOR on the Woolsack.
LORD DARYNGTON.
The Right Honourable Herbert Pike Pease, having been created Baron DARYNGTON of Witley in the County of Surrey—Was (in the usual manner) introduced.
WEST GLOUCESTERSHIRE WATER BILL. [H.L.]
Read 2a.
MIDLAND RAILWAY BILL. [H.L.]
Read 2a.
GENERAL REVERSIONARY AND INVESTMENT COMPANY BILL. [H.L.]
Read 2a.

THE EASTER RECESS.
EARL BEAUCHAMP: My Lords, I wish to ask the noble Marquess, Lord Salisbury, if he can give the House any information with regard to the Easter holidays?
THE LORD PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY): My Lords, several noble Lords asked me in regard to this matter yesterday, and I have informed myself. I find that it would be convenient, subject to the consent of your Lordships, that we should adjourn upon Thursday, March 29 (that is Thursday in Holy Week) until the following Tuesday week—that is, Tuesday, April 10. There is a Bill which is expected to reach us from the House of Commons in the course of next week, and it is hoped that we shall be able to pass it into law before the adjournment for the Recess. There will be, I think,
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sufficient time if it comes, as we hope it will come, between the day it arrives and the following Thursday week. There is, of course, also the Consolidated Fund Bill, and it is necessary for us to remain in session until that is presented to your Lordships.
EARL BEAUCHAMP: Will the noble Marquess say what is the name of the other Bill?
THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY: The Unemployment Insurance Bill.

MINISTRY OF HEALTH PROVISIONAL ORDERS CONFIRMATION (No. 1) BILL. [H.L.]
House in Committee (according to Order): Amendment proposed by the Select Committee made.

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSIONERS.
LORD RAGLAN: My Lords, I desire to ask His Majesty's Government whether the Regulations and decisions made by the Civil Service Commissioners are subject to the effective control of any responsible Minister?
LORD HYLTON: My Lords, in answer to my noble friend's Question, I have to inform him that Regulations prescribing the manner in which persons are to be admitted to the Civil Service and the conditions on which the Civil Service Commissioners may issue certificates of qualification for such persons are made by the Commissioners subject to the approval of the Treasury. My noble friend will see, therefore, that in regard to the first part of his Question respecting Regulations the answer is "Yes" With regard to the second part of his Question, decisions whether individual candidates satisfy the provisions of Regulations so made are arrived at by the Commissioners on their own responsibility in performance of the duty imposed upon them by His Majesty in Council of testing and certifying the qualifications of persons proposed to be appointed to any situation or employment in His Majesty's Civil Establishments. Therefore the answer to the second part of my noble friend's Question is in the negative.
LORE RAGLAN: Can the noble Lord say what action any person can take who considers himself aggrieved by the action of the Commissioners?
LORD HYLTON: I will inquire upon that point.

NATIONALITY OF MARRIED WOMEN.
Order of the Day read for the consideration of the Commons Message that they have come to the following Resolution:—
"That it is expedient that a Select Committee of the Commons be appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords to examine the British Law as to the Nationality of Married Women; to consider in their legal and practical aspects the questions involved in the possession by husband and wife of the same or of different nationalities; and with due regard thereto, and to the operation of the laws of Foreign Countries, to report what, if any, alteration of the British Law is desirable."
Moved, That the said Message be now considered.—(The Lord Chancellor.)
On Question, Motion agreed to.
THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT CAVE): My Lords, I beg to move, That this House do concur in the Resolution communicated by the Commons.
Moved, That this House do concur in the Resolution communicated by the Commons:
"That it is expedient that a Select Committee of the Commons be appointed to join with a Committee of the Lords to examine the British Law as to the Nationality of Married Women; to consider in their legal and practical aspects the questions involved in the possession by husband and wife of the same or of different nationalities; and with due regard thereto, and to the operation of the laws of Foreign Countries, to report what, if any, alteration of the British Law is desirable.—"(The Lord Chancellor.)
On Question, Motion agreed to; and a Message ordered to be sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.
House adjourned at five minutes past four o'clock.