REFORMED OF THE LORDS

Grey River Argus, 24 April 1913, Page 1

REFORMED OF THE LORDS

„ ENTIRELY -NEW HOUSE. , AN EEECTIYE. CHAMBeIi.POSSIBLE PAYMENT OF MEMBE^RS, - " ;./. .LONDOiSI, April- 12. The "Daily .'News: and Leader" publishes an. outline: of ii measure under -which it is .proposed . to . reform the House oft. Lords. ; .'•■,'..'• ; . - Th-e bill, which is now. being considered by a sub-committee of . the Cabinet,:provides; for a House of from 1 50 to 200 members, who, with trifling" exceptions will all' be elected by constituencies, which' will-, t-end'-tp limit candidature to persons of acknowledged position. Members of this new House will' be styled Lords of Parliament, and -in order, tliat Labor may ' have full opportunity of securing direct representation it is •'possible that the. *_iords will: receive. .payment. The new/Chamber will have no power in matters of finance, and the right to reject or to amend ordinary bills in n first session will be subject always to a joint sitting" of both Houses to decide disputed points. ' To this extent the Parliament Act will be superseded. In all cases in which the Government secures a majority at the joint sitting- the t\v<* years' delay that is n-ecessary under the present -.system will .be- reduced ■■by.- from. •■ six to nine months.