House of Lords Reform Bill [HL]

Lord Cobbold Excerpts

Friday 21st October 2011 Lords Chamber

Moved by

[Lord Cobbold]

118: Clause 10, page 5, line 16, at end insert—
“(5) Nothing in this Part shall disqualify an hereditary peer from being proposed to the Commission under section 4.”

[Lord Cobbold]

My Lords, I was not expecting this brief amendment to come so early in the debate. It explains itself and states that in the future, when hereditary Peers no longer are here by right, they can nevertheless take another responsibility. I beg to move.

[Lord Steel of Aikwood]

My Lords, the noble Lord, Lord Cobbold, makes a perfectly reasonable point. I am not sure that the amendment is actually required in the Bill but I am very happy to accept it.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Howe of Aberavon]

My Lords, I declare a special interest, at the age of 84, although a number of others no doubt share that antiquity with me. Those who have emphasised the importance of a sensible approach to this question pose their premise on their declared recognition of the wisdom of the House. If we are as wise as some colleagues have already said we are, we would surely be profoundly unwise to take a decision of this importance, which has been brought before us at a few hours’ notice. It certainly deserves more consideration than it is likely to get before the luncheon Adjournment. I oppose the proposition, not just out of self-interest but out of sheer sanity and respect for the reputation of this House.

[Lord Cobbold]

An alternative, my Lords, is to have a fixed period of service for all Members of the House. That would allow people to give of their great experience and later on to live longer lives.

[Lord St John of Fawsley]

My Lords, may I put this question to your Lordships? Who is the wisest person in this House? In my opinion, it is the noble Lord, Lord Carrington, who is 92.