Draft House of Lords Reform Bill Debate

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Department: Leader of the House
Tuesday 20th December 2011

(12 years, 11 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord Strathclyde Portrait Lord Strathclyde
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I am very grateful to the noble Baroness.

Lord Pearson of Rannoch Portrait Lord Pearson of Rannoch
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My Lords, further to the remarks of the Deputy Prime Minister, can the noble Lord at least clarify whether it would be constitutional for the Government of the day to use the Parliament Act to radically reform and change your Lordships’ House without its consent?

Lord Strathclyde Portrait Lord Strathclyde
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My Lords, the Parliament Act is a matter of statute law. It is our view that it would be illegal to use the Parliament Act when changing the composition or powers of this Chamber.