Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Debate between Lord Howarth of Newport and Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Monday 15th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Scotland of Asthal]

My Lords, noble Lords will also know what happened to that Bill. There is still time for discussion: we will be discussing the new Bill now. I say very clearly that this is not merely a political instrument being used for pernicious purposes, which is what has been suggested and what has made me feel very disappointed in noble Lords opposite.

[Lord Howarth of Newport]

My Lords, does my noble and learned friend agree that the Bill comes to us not only fresh but substantially unexamined in the other place? Very important elements—Clauses 3 to 6 and Clause 11—were entirely unexamined in Committee and on Report. Is it not incumbent on this House to make absolutely certain that we follow the correct procedure to ensure that this extremely important constitutional legislation is examined in the appropriate manner?

[Baroness Scotland of Asthal]

My Lords, of course I agree.