LORD BEFORE COMMONS

Taranaki Daily News, 27 April 1934, Page 7

LORD BEFORE COMMONS

OLD FRANCHISE SET ASIDE CENTURIES-OLD HOUSE RULE IMPRISONMENT IN TOWER 3 INDIA COMMITTEE CHARGES (British Official Wireless.) Rec. 5.5' p.m. Rugby, April 25. The ancient franchise of members of the House of Lords was set aside when the House agreed to permit the attendance of Lord Derby as a witness before the committee of privilege set up by the House of Commons to investigate Mr. Winston Churchill’s charges that Sir Samuel Hoare and Lord Derby . had exerted pressure to effect the modification of certain evidence to be given before the joint select committee of Parliament on Indian constitutional -.reform. .The matter arose on a written request from the House of Commons asking the permission of the House of Lords for Lord Derby’s attendance. Lord Derby was present in the chamber and gave the fullest assent to the motion sanctioning his attendance. Lord Hailsham in submitting the motion said a 260-year-old standing order provided that no lord should either go down to the Commons or send an answer in writing or appear by counsel to answer any accusation there on penalty of being put in the custody of the officer of the House known as the Black Rod, or in the Tower of London. Lord Hailsham said that Lord Derby, being anxious to avoid those penalties but desiring to give evidence, communicated with the officials of the House, and he accordingly moved that if Lord Derby thought fit the request of the House of Commons be acceded to.