Parliament Act 1911: Centenary

Debate between Lord Roberts of Llandudno and Lord Strathclyde

Tuesday 28th June 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno]

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what events they are planning to mark the centenary of the Parliament Act 1911.

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)]

My Lords, the Government have no current plans to mark the centenary of the Parliament Act.

--- Later in debate ---

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno]

I am sorry that that is the Minister’s Answer. On 18 August 1911, there was an historic Act that changed the face of Parliament. While we are celebrating all this year the Armada, the Battle of Trafalgar, the Battle of Waterloo and the wives of Henry VIII, is it not time that we thought of the magnificent achievements of the last century in health, education and the extension of democracy? Is it not time that somehow this House and this Parliament were able to celebrate the more recent achievements of Parliament?

[Lord Strathclyde]

My Lords, I am all in favour of celebrating the achievements of Parliament and indeed of the last century and the many changes that took place. I am not entirely convinced that the Parliament Act was a victory for this House. In fact, it marked the time when we lost considerable power out of the foolishness of our predecessors. However, for those who wish to celebrate, I understand that on Saturday 16 July, from 7 pm to 11 pm, BBC Parliament will show a continuous programme on the causes and effects of the Parliament Act 1911.

Parliament Act 1911: Centenary

Debate between Lord Roberts of Llandudno and Lord Strathclyde

Monday 6th December 2010 Lords Chamber

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)]

The Government have no current plans to mark the centenary of the Parliament Act.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno]

I am most disappointed by the noble Lord’s Answer. The Parliament Bill became an Act on 18 August 1911 and a century has gone by. With all the talk of reform, should we not at least set a deadline of 18 August or a date close to it—I do not intend to call the House back on 18 August unless noble Lords so desire it—for the reform procedure?

May I also make a suggestion about any new voting system? The Labour Party says in its manifesto that it wants a proportional system for elections to the House of Lords, and we say in the coalition agreement that we, too, want a proportional system. The preamble to the Parliament Act 1911 suggests that the present House of Lords be substituted by,

“a Second Chamber constituted on a popular instead of hereditary basis”.

Would the Leader please give us his response to that?

[Lord Strathclyde]

My Lords, I am sorry to have disappointed my noble friend with my Answer. I fear that I am going to disappoint him again, although I must say that I admire his perseverance after 100 years since the last Liberal Prime Minister passed the Parliament Act 1911. I think he is optimistic to suggest that the Chamber will be constituted on a different basis by August next year, or that any of us will be here to mark that occasion on 18 August. I can tell him, however, that the Deputy Prime Minister intends to publish a draft Bill early next year that makes provision for a wholly or mainly elected Chamber with elections on a system of proportional representation.

Coalition Policies

Debate between Lord Roberts of Llandudno and Lord Strathclyde

Monday 8th November 2010 Lords Chamber

[Lord Strathclyde]

My Lords, the noble Lord is of course right that it is far too short a time to look at each one but I flicked through the responses usefully over lunch and, for instance, here is one taken at random:

“We want referendums on national issues as we were promised”.

Another is:

“We want FAIR VOTES NOW!”.

Here is another one:

“I am concerned that having an elected upper house will mean that there is less accountability rather than more”.

I thought that one would go down well.

[Lord Roberts of Llandudno]

Will the Leader of the House confirm that, as the alternative vote was a manifesto pledge of the Labour Party, when we come to discuss it next Monday and following from then, that party will stand firm on its commitment to the alternative vote?

[Lord Strathclyde]

My Lords, I am looking forward to the Labour Party’s support on that Bill.