HL Deb 30 April 1934 vol 91 cc905-6

Message received from the Commons requesting that their Lordships would be pleased to give leave to the Clerk attending the Joint Committee on Indian Constitutional Reform to attend to be examined as a witness before the Committee of Privileges appointed by them.

LORD STRABOLGI

Can the noble and learned Viscount give us any reason why the Clerk is needed?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR WAR (VISCOUNT HAILSHAM)

My Lords, I have no idea why the Clerk is needed, but apparently he is.

LORD STRABOLGI

Have you moved that leave be given?

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

In fact the practice of the House is for consent to be given as of course. He has no power to go without your Lordships' consent. It really amounts to a direction of the House, and as such it will appear in the Minutes without any formal Motion or discussion in this House.

LORD STRABOLGI

It is a very interesting point. Do I understand our Clerk is summoned before this special Committee?

VISCOUNT HAILSHAM

It quite often happens that the Clerk of this House is asked to give evidence on some point on which a Committee desires information. Obviously the House has formally to give leave. Normally the Message is read and consent is taken as given. Sometimes, I believe, we even do not go through the formality of reading it, although it so appears in the Minutes.

LORD STRABOLGI

I am much obliged.

Leave given accordingly, and a Message ordered to be sent to the Commons to acquaint them therewith.

House adjourned at ten minutes before eight o'clock.