PEERS AND THEIR RIGHTS

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12876, 1 June 1936, Page 3

PEERS AND THEIR RIGHTS

WHILE PARLIAMENT IS IN SESSIONSERVANTS MAY NOT BE ARRESTED. LONDON, April 25. Hidden away in the “Standing Orders of tho Houso of Lords” just rcprintod for the fifth time in 47 years, is a clause AA'hie.'i throAVS now light on the domestic servant problem of the Peers of tho Realm. Told in plain English it means that a. peer can claim freedom from arrest for liis chauffeur, housemaid or cook (for debts or similar matters) while Parliament is sitting and twenty days before and after every session of Parliament. Tho actual text, of the clause reads: “Tho privilege of the nobility concerning the freedom of tlieir servants- and. folloAvem from arrest extends 1.0 all their menial servants and those of their family, as also those employed necessarily and properly about tlieir estates as avoll as tlieir persons.” .Injunctions, however, are given to peers to be very careful in exercising this privilege, the object, of Avhieli was only ini respect they should not be dis tiaetod by the trouble of tho servants t'om attending the serious affairs of the kingdom.” The hope is expressed that peers “will not. pervert, that privilege to the public injustice of the kingdom.” The Standing Orders Avore first, printed in 1389. Before-that they were (lie private affairs of Parliament. Now anyone can buy a copy for ,1s 3d.