The Henson Journals

[220]

Wednesday, November 30th, 1927.

Lionel came with me to Darlington, where I took passage to London by the early train. I travelled in a carriage which I had to myself. The papers contained various items of intelligence about the approaching debate on the Revised Prayer Book which seem to show that the Opposition still cherish the hope of victory in the House of Lords. About 40 peers responded to Lang's invitation to discuss the question with him. Lord S. was among them, and he gave me a more comfortable account of what happened than the statement in the papers had suggested. A foolish indulgence in ceremonial extravagances by the Bishop of St Alban's is made much of by the Protestant Association, and provides a valuable weapon to the enemy.

I went to the House of Lords, & sate through a fairly interesting discussion of a proposal to petition the Crown for two new judges. Lords Buckmaster, Hewart, Darling, & Hanworth spoke variously, but no division was challenged.

I had some talk with the Archbishop about Durham Castle. He is sympathetic but non–committal. Also, I spoke to Lord Salisbury on the same subject.

I dined pleasantly at Grillions, where I was in the Chair: the company was the following:–

The Archbishop of Canterbury.

Lord Buckmaster

Sir Edmund Gosse.

The Editor of the Times.

The Editor of Punch.

Lord Fitz Alan

Lord Hugh Cecil

Lord Middleton

The Bishop of Durham.

Hugh Macmillan

Buckmaster spoke very strongly against Lloyd George. He said that his fund amounted to nearly £3,000,000, of which no less than £1,750,000 was paid into L.G.'s personal account.