HL Deb 06 May 1952 vol 176 cc603-4

2.39 p.m.

VISCOUNT SAMUEL

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

In view of the statement in Mr. Churchill's Manifesto at the last General Election, that a Conservative Government would "call an all-Party conference to consider proposals for the reform of the House of Lords," to ask Her Majesty's Government when it is proposed to take steps to that end.]

THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS (THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY)

My Lords, Her Majesty's Government intend to call such a conference as soon as they have taken the necessary measures to deal with the more urgent tasks with which the present economic situation of the country confronts them.

VISCOUNT SAMUEL

I thank the noble Marquess for his reply.

EARL JOWITT

My Lords, may I ask the noble Marquess, in dealing with this matter, to bear in mind this consideration? From an article in The Times to-day I quote these words: the powers of the House of Lords … could not be restored, if that is the Government's intention, until the composition of the House has been … remodelled. May I assure the noble Marquess that there are some of us who will be quite unwilling to embark upon any consideration of the reformation of the composition of the House of Lords if that is to be a mere prelude or "curtain raiser" to the conferring of increased powers upon this House?

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

I think the noble and learned Earl opposite would be very unwise to begin banging doors at this stage. The important thing is that, if possible, there should be inter-Party agreement, on whatever basis, on this all-important question. When the time comes, we shall hope for the full co-operation of noble Lords opposite.