Powers Of Lords Is Still Further Discussed

Chronicle (Levin), 3 February 1948, Page 5

Powers Of Lords Is Still Further Discussed

Received Tuesday, 9.45 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 2. The Leader of the House of Lords, Lord Addison, told the •crowded Lords that the Government would agree to the Peers' plea for an all-party conference on the reform of the House of Lords, pro•vided that firstly the nords, during the present session, passed with or without any agreed amendment, or rejected, the Parliament Bill which reduced the Lords' power to veto Commons legislation. Secondly, if discussion were limited to ensure a reasonable time for the Lords to consider the measures and for inter-House discussions. Thirdly, if private prelimipary conversations were held on the composition of the Lords, to provide a basis for fur~, ther discussion. * The Marquis of Salisbury, leader of the Opposition in the House of Lords, commented that in some respects there had been an advance, but there were still vital limitations upon the scope of the proposed discussions. The first condition entirely eliminated from discussions the power of delav which

the Conservatives consider ed was an essential part of their constitution. The Marquis of Salisbury ad'ded that if his intevpretation of Lord Addison's statement was right, the Opposition would have no option but to reject the Bill. Lord Salisbury said that Lord Addison had not made himself clear, and suggested the debate continue in order lo give Lord Addison another chance at the end of the debate.