CREATION OF PEERS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXIX, Issue 122, 15 July 1911, Page 3

CREATION OF PEERS.

There lias only been one occasion in the .history of England when peers were actually created to carry a measure. This was in the reign of Queen Anne. On December 31st, 1711, in order to secure a majority favourable to the Government, Oxford and Bolingbroke gazetted twelve new peers. Two days later they entered the House and took their seats, and the motion in question was carried by a majority of one. In 1832 the Government threatened to create a number of peers in order to secure the passage of the Reform Bill. Molesworth’s “History of the Reform Bill” thus describes the incident: “On May 17th, 1832, Earl Grey and Lord Brougham waited on the King, who received them with evident ill-humour, and, contrary to his usual practice, kept them standing during the interview. But he at once gave his consent to the creation of as many peers as the Ministry might think necessary to enable them to carry the Reform Bill through the House of Lords, with the understanding Quit this power was not to be exercised until every means of avoiding the necessity of it had boon tried, a condition which the two lords readily agreed to, as they and all their colleagues were extremely averse to the proposed step, and many of them would even have abandoned a great paid, of their Bill, if they dared, rather than have recourse to it.

This having been arranged, and it being understood that the Ministers retained their offices, the King asked, “Is there anything more?” “Sire,” said Lord Brougham, “1 have one iurther request to make.” “What?” replied the King, “have I not conceded enough?” “Yes,” replied the Chancellor, “I do not wish to ask any fresh concessions of your Majesty, but simply to request you to put in writing the promise you have made us.” The King was evidently irritated at a demand which seemed to imply a want of confidence in Iris promise, but lie also felt that ho could not resist. After a moment’s hesitation, ha took a small piece of paper on which he wrote the following words which he then handed to Lord Brougham : “The King grants permission to Karl Grey and to his Chancellor, Lord Brougham,-to create such a number ot peers as will be sufficient to ensure the passing of the lie form Bill—first calling peers’ eldest sons.—(Signed) William R., Windsor, May 17th, 1832.” The same evening Sir Herbert Taylor, who had been present at this interview, wrote the following circular note to "the most active of the apposition lords: “My dear Lord, —I un honoured with his Majesty’s communis to acquaint your lordship that ill difficulties to the arrangements in n(grass will bo obviated by a declaration in the House of Pern's to-night, Vmu a sufficient number of peers,

■i:i t in consequence of tho present of affairs, they have come to f -,3 resolution of dropping their opmsitiou to the Reform Hill, so that it •my pass without delay, and as nearv as possible in its present shape.— have the honour to ho, yours sincerely, Herbert Taylor.” This missive proved effectual. The Hill was read ; third time in the House of Herds 'June fth, 18152) hy JOG to 22; ami the Royal assent was given hy commission a few days afterwards. in 1717 tlie Stanhope Ministry promised to limit the Royal prerogative in tho creation of poors, providing that the existing number should not lie increased beyond six. The House if Lords passed this hy a large majority, but alter strenuous opposition hy Walpole, tho Bill was thrown out hy the House of Commons by a majority of 92.