HOUSE OF COMMONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 February 1943, Page 3

HOUSE OF COMMONS

WEAKENED BY PROLONGATION OF LIFE. IN OPINION OF LORD BEAVERBROOK. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, February 10. Drawing attention to . a change in Britain's constitutional structure “which has occurred almost unnoticed and without any particular enactments,” Lord Beaverbrook said in the House of Lords that it had given the Upper Chamber greater influence and power than at any time in the last 30 years. Lord Beaverbrook contended that the House of Commons no longer represented the constituencies; it had prolonged its life by statute and coopted nearly 100 members without consultation with the electorate. (Lord Beaverbrook was presumably referring to members returned unopposed).

Recalling’ that the last general election was held in 1935, Lord Beaverbrook said that the present House of Commons was quite different. A majority of the members were elected on peace issues and to preserve limitation of arms. Their mandate was no longer valid. The continued existence of this Parliament was dependent upon the decision of the House of Lords, because if the Lords refused to agree an appeal to the country would become necessary. Lord Beaverbrook accepted a Government motion that the debate to be initiated on the work of the Ministry of Aircraft Production should be in secret, saying that while this constitutional revolution remained the House of Lords must discharge its new duty.