REFUSAL TO PASS LEGISLATION

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 302, 5 December 1936, Page 5

REFUSAL TO PASS LEGISLATION

PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT IN COMMONS KING’S WIFE MUST BE QUEEN OF ENGLAND NO '.CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION FOR MANY PRESS STATEMENTS. ... 1 > \ ’-V .< • •*' ■;T\. 5; ; LONDON, December 4. J.r - r.A Making a statement in the House of Commons at the adjournment, the Rt. Hom Stanley Baldwin said: “In view of the widelycirculated suggestions as to certain possibilities in event of the King’s marriage, I think it advisable for me to make a statement. Suggestions have appeared in the Press that if the King decided to marry, his wife need not become Queen. These ideas are without any constitutional foundation.” Mr, Baldwin read from a typed document, and loud and continued cheering greeted his refusal to introduce legislation con j ceming the matter. ’■ *^4* Akter message giving further details reports that Mr. Bald- ‘ ‘There is no such thing as what is called ‘morganatic ; marriage* known in our law. The Royal Marriages Act of 1772 ido.eSihot apply to the Sovereign himself. Its only effect is that the r marriage of any other member of the Royal Family is null and void f unless the Sovereign’s Consent is first obtained. . King himself requires no consent from any other authority to make his marriage legal, but, as I have said, the lady whom he marries by the fact of her marriage to the King neces•Mrily become* Queen. *’\ ~^’^ew t herefore enjoys all the status, rights and privileges «; which both by positive law and by custom are attached to the position with-which We are familiar in the cases of Queen Alexandra Queen Mary, and her children would be in the direct line of succession to the Throne.

• ‘ “The only possible way in which this result could be avoided Wonld bc by legislation dealing with the particular case, and the Ministxyisnot prepared to introduce such legislation. Moreover, the matterai we deal with are the common concern of the Common3a: whole, ahd such a change would not be effective withMdisfijed. from inquiries we haye made that this assent would not be forthcoming. ■ . / .. .. . ' k it right to make this statement to remove the widespread'misimdentanding. I will presently make another statement.” • ; -•'Atlee said: “Even if time allowed, it would be undesirable, to comment on or discuss your statement. It is one to have to give very great consideration.” . ji i ir ***’' • ‘H’-** TEKe- House adjourned. w-tStn ’’-it..f