Parliamentary Privilege

Baroness Royall of Blaisdon Excerpts

Tuesday 11th December 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Richard]

My Lords, the Chairman of Committees said that the first thing we should do is go back to the usual channels. With respect, that is not so. The first thing we have to do is not pass this Motion. If this Motion is passed, the committee is established; if it is not passed then certainly we can go back to the usual channels.

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon]

My Lords, as part of the usual channels—

[Noble Lords]

Oh!

--- Later in debate ---

[Baroness Royall of Blaisdon]

I am very proud to be part of the usual channels. I am also acutely conscious of the need for gender balance. I am rather embarrassed by the fact that there is no gender balance on this committee. We have a very democratic system in my party and we ask people to put their names forward if they wish to serve on committees and we try to ensure a gender balance across committees. If, however, it were the will of the House that this should go back in order to find a better gender balance, I would have no hesitation in supporting that. It is something that I am very conscious of.

[Lord Campbell-Savours]

My Lords, I wonder whether the Chairman of Committees could respond to the question raised by my noble friend Lord Grocott. If he feels that it is difficult, perhaps the Leader of the House could intervene and explain to the whole House what the position is.