House of Lords Reform Bill

Lady Saltoun of Abernethy Excerpts

Wednesday 27th June 2012 Lords Chamber

[Lord Elystan-Morgan]

My Lords—

[Lady Saltoun of Abernethy]

My Lords—

[The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Lord McNally)]

I think we will hear from the noble Baroness, Lady Saltoun.

[Lady Saltoun of Abernethy]

My Lords, what makes the Government think that, if this House is to continue to do what it is doing at present, 300 Members will be sufficient to service the committees and the offices that have to be serviced? I have worked out that 300 would not be nearly enough and that it would take 450 Members to do the job. Would the noble Lord care to comment?

[Lord Strathclyde]

I am delighted to end on a high note. The noble Lady is entirely correct in her assumption. That was also seen by the noble Lord, Lord Richard. The Government took that advice and there will now be not 300 Members but 450.