Borough Freedom (Family Succession) Bill [HL]

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Graham of Edmonton, deserves a great deal of support for his persistence. Persistence is one of the most important qualities in getting anything through from a Back-Bench position—you have to keep on knocking away to make sure that people hear you and then that they pay some attention. I have spoken on the Bill once and I know that my noble friend Lord Mar and Kellie did so on the last occasion it came before the House. Both of us, holders of hereditary titles through the male line, felt obliged to say that this is a good idea. In my case, I have an older sister; I talked about this to her when we were discussing nieces and nephews, and who was going to look after what and where. I said that I would have to support this, and she said, ““You had better support it very loudly”” for the simple reason that if I did not, she would peel me with a blunt knife at the next family gathering. When threatened by one’s family, one should always give in. I congratulate the noble Lord on his taking on this issue and wish him well. The Bill can do no harm if it is passed. Who knows, it may do some good?