HL Deb 27 March 2003 vol 646 cc952-3

3.16 p.m.

Lord Dormand of Easington asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will recommend the establishment of a Select Committee to consider the future of the Monarchy.

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

My Lords, no.

Lord Dormand of Easington

My Lords, is my noble and learned friend aware of the decreasing support for the monarchy, caused largely because people are against an unelected head of state? For that and other reasons, is it not time for a wide-ranging examination of the status of the monarchy, which could be undertaken by a Select Committee?

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My Lords, I do not believe that there is decreasing support for the monarchy. Recent history—the Jubilee year—demonstrates that. So, when my noble friend Lord Dormand asks me again for my answer, it is "No".

Lord Strathclyde

My Lords, notwithstanding the views of those who share the opinion of the noble Lord, Lord Dormand of Easington, is the noble and learned Lord aware that most people in this country will be immensely encouraged by what the Leader of the House has said? On behalf of Her Majesty's loyal Opposition we concur entirely.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My Lords, yes.

Lord Smith of Clifton

My Lords, does the noble and learned Lord the Leader of the House agree with me that one does not have to be a republican to believe that it would be in the interests of the monarchy for a review to be held now in the light of its role in modern circumstances, particularly with regard to the exercise of the Royal prerogative?

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My Lords, I am aware of the current political—and perhaps legal—debate about the Royal prerogative. I know that views on the matter are strongly held, not always by republicans, as the noble Lord says. But this is a specific Question, with which I think I have dealt to the general satisfaction of noble Lords.

Lord Blaker

My Lords, will the noble and learned Lord suggest to his noble friend Lord Dormand that he might get together with me to make a survey of the states around the world that have elected heads of state—there are perhaps 150—to see whether he wishes to reconsider his views?

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My Lords, yes.

Lord Carter

My Lords, we have heard the views of the Official Opposition. Is my noble and learned friend aware of the views of the Liberal Democrats?

Lord Williams of Mostyn

My Lords, they do not normally have any.

Lord Roper

My Lords, I thought that the Government had noticed that we have them at least in the Division Lobby from time to time. But we appreciate the Lord Privy Seal's reply to the Question.