§ Mr. Crowderasked the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation to provide that the appointment to the office of Lord Chancellor should not be affected by colour or religious persuasion; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterI am not aware that qualification for appointment as Lord Chancellor is affected by either colour or religious persuasion, save that there is apparently some doubt whether the legislation abolishing disabilities imposed on Roman Catholics has been entirely effective in the case of the Lord Chancellor. There might well be some advantage in resolving this doubt, but I am not persuaded of any immediate need for legislation. It is always open to a private Member to introduce such a Bill if he wishes to do so.