Extension of Franchise (House of Lords) Bill [HL]

Debate between Lord Davies of Oldham and Lord Dubs

Friday 5th July 2013 Lords Chamber

[Lord Dubs]

Yes, my Lords, I was aware of it, but one has to arrive at a balance. Should I have said, “No, I am not prepared to accept the privilege of being here because I cannot vote in general elections”? My feeling is that it is better to get here and try to achieve the changes by using the arguments. I think that that applies to many of us. Even the noble Lord, I am sure, is not ecstatically happy about every aspect of our procedures here, but that did not stop him coming here and he is a very welcome Member of this House, even though I occasionally disagree with him.

[Lord Davies of Oldham]

How solicitous does my noble friend think returning officers and clerks in polling stations are about enforcing this position? Every time I have gone to vote in a local election that has coincided with a parliamentary vote, the returning officer has seemed oblivious to the fact and I have had to tell them, “Please don’t give me a vote for the parliamentary election because it is illegal”.

[Lord Dubs]

Well, I think that there is something in that, but, in the course of history, Members of this House have voted in general elections and that vote has been challenged.