§ 38. Mr. John Healey (Wentworth)What representations she has received on the White Paper on the reform of the House of Lords. [87238]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Privy Council Office (Mr. Paddy Tipping)The Government have received a range of representations on their plans to reform the House of Lords. There have also been debates on the White Paper in the House and the other place. Proposals on the second stage of reform are currently the responsibility of the royal commission chaired by Lord Wakeham.
§ Mr. HealeyI thank my hon. Friend for that answer. In the representations that he has received, what degree of recognition has there been that a reformed House of Lords will be a more independent House of Lords? Can he confirm that one of the main aims for the second Chamber is to achieve a more even political balance, including a strong representation from regions of the United Kingdom, rather than the massive majority control to which the Conservatives have clung for centuries?
§ Mr. TippingMy hon. Friend will know, first, that it is the view of colleagues that no party should have an absolute majority in the reformed upper House, and secondly, that the Prime Minister is the first Prime Minister to give up powers by ensuring that an independent appointments system is in place for the new year's honours 2000, to provide a better political balance.
§ Dr. Julian Lewis (New Forest, East)I note what the hon. Gentleman says, but can he give the House a guarantee that when the Government's reforms of the House of Lords are complete, it will not simply become a fallback repository to reward Tony's donors, now that the position of Director-General of the BBC is no longer available for that purpose?
§ Mr. TippingThe hon. Gentleman should remember the history of various Prime Ministers and their appointments. He would do well to scrutinise the record of his own colleagues. As I said, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister is the first Prime Minister to reduce his powers in that regard.