House of Lords: Size Debate

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House of Lords: Size

Lord Truscott Excerpts
Tuesday 23rd June 2020

(4 years, 5 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord McFall of Alcluith Portrait The Senior Deputy Speaker [V]
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That is a matter for the Procedure Committee. I made reference to our possibly undermining the Act of Parliament. However, I will refer the noble Lord’s question to the Procedure Committee when we meet.

Lord Truscott Portrait Lord Truscott (Ind Lab) [V]
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My Lords, is it not the case that the Bill from the noble Lord, Lord Grocott, which would abolish hereditary by-elections, would help to achieve a gradual reduction in the size of the House? I understand that this is a matter for the usual channels, but will the House authorities try to ensure that there is sufficient time to debate and pass this important Bill—perhaps third time lucky?

Lord McFall of Alcluith Portrait The Senior Deputy Speaker [V]
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The noble Lord, Lord Grocott, has a question, and I presume that will add to what the noble Lord, Lord Truscott, has said. Again, the Burns report was set to ensure that we achieved change without legislation. That is a difficult issue, but the Procedure Committee will be looking at it and other issues.