REFORM OF LORDS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 126, 9 March 1935, Page 5

REFORM OF LORDS.

PETITION TO THE KING. HOUSE CARRIES A MOTION. (United Press Association— Copyright) - .... LONDON, March 7. In the House of Lordsj a discussion on reform of the Upper House arose when Baron Rockley, formerly Evelyn, Jecil, M.P., moving for a petition tier his Majesty to waive his prerogative in - order to allow Parliament during the present session to discuss a limited creation of life -peerages, intimated that, if the.(petition were granted,., he would introduce a Bill. This, was'not; a party move, and he was acting on his own responsibility. The constitution of the House could not remain adamant indefinitely against variation and amendment. Though so far ah agreed scheme had not been reached, .he thought that common ground could be achieved for a modest alteration. Viscount Hailsham (Leader of the House) said that the Government, without, committing itself regarding a Bill, would not oppose ■it and would "j advise his Majesty to assent to the petition. ''■■'.'■' The Marquis of Salisbury said that _ the Government must "reach" some ' policy on reform of the House of Lords before the next general election,- or thereafter-it would be claimed 'that there was no mandate on the subject." Baron Rockley's motion was\carried } without division. ...... ■ • . . : •