THE HOUSE OF LORDS

Taranaki Daily News, 19 August 1929, Page 11

THE HOUSE OF LORDS

LORD THOMSON ON ITS WORK.

“While many members of the Labour Party believe in single chamber government, few will deny the need for a revising chamber without the power of rejection, which would cause undue delay,” says Lord Thomson, who is again the Air Minister in the new British Govermnent, writing in the Labour Magazine.

“Under our present system, the House of Lords contains a number of authorities on practically every aspect of national life. It is, in fact, a House of experts, whose collective experience covers foreign and Imperial affairs, defence, finance, international statute and common law, the administration of the Established Church and local government. As such, it ig admirably qualified for the task of revision, a task for which it but seldom has the time.

“Strong objection is taken in progressive circles to the type of peer known ag backwoodsman. These constitute the reserve forces of reaction, and are only used in times of crisis. It is only fair to remember, however, that such peers are doing useful work in the neighbourhood of their estates, and cannot afford a London house. This .explains their rare appearances in the House of Lords. Moreover, many of them are Tories more by tradition than conviction, and in their eyes international finance and certain modern aspects of Trig business’ are equally offensive. They have lost their ancient privileges, but still have deep roots in the country, and their existence Is as much bound up with the welfare of the masses of the people as that of any working man. Here is a bond of union which can be strengthened by a strong progressive Labour Government, and in time may bring about a changed allegiance.”