Throne bill ‘has majority’

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 9

Throne bill ‘has majority’

NZPA London A private member s bill to give women equal rights to inherit the Throne has the support of the majority of members of the Commons, the bill’s sponsor has said. But. according to its sponsor. Michael English, the fate of his Succession to the Crown Bill, which was published yesterday, is likely to rest on the reacton of Commonwealth countries.

The urgency ’ of the measure depends on whether the Princess of Wales gives birth to a boy or a girl in June. It it is a boy. Mr English concedes that the issue can be postponed for another generation. But if it is a girl a younger brother would take precedence under the present law.

Mr English’s’ bill, which will have its second reading on February 26 would make the eldest child heir-apparent regardless of sex. Mr English. Labour member for Nottingham West, has written to the 17 Commonwealth nations who regard the Queen as their monarch asking for their views. He has also consulted the Queen and Prince Charles.

Buckingham Palace said yesterday that it had no comment to make on the bill and Government officials said Ministers had not yet formulated their attitude to the measure.

But Mr English said: “If there turns out to be a Commonwealth consensus, that would be the principal determinant of the future of the bill.”

His motive for introducing the bill, which has the support of Labour. Tory. Liberal. and Social Democrat members, is to strike a blow for sex equality.