COMMITTEE OF SELECTION (Hansard, 31 October 1973)

HL Deb 31 October 1973 vol 346 cc32-3 32

§ 2.38 p.m.

§ THE LORD PRIVY SEAL (LORD WINDLESHAM)
My Lords, I beg to move the first Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper. In moving this Motion, may I remind noble Lords that if the Motion is agreed to the Committee will meet at 4 o'clock this afternoon.

§ Moved, That in accordance with Standing Order No. 61 a Committee of Selection be appointed to select and propose to the House the names of the Lords to form each Select Committee of the House (except the Committee of Selection itself and any Committee otherwise provided for by Statute or by order of the House) and that the Lords following with the Chairman of Committees be named of the Committee:—

Lord Privy Seal (L. Windlesham),
E. St. Aidwyn,
L. Airedale,
L. Amulree,
L. Beswick,
L. Brooke of Cumnor,
L. Byers,
B. Hylton-Foster,
L. Shackleton,
L. Strang,
B. White.

§ That the Committee have leave to report from time to time.—(Lord Windlesham.)

§ LORD ROYLE
My Lords, I was wondering about the proportion of this Committee. As I add it up, it has eleven members, but only three are members of the Labour Party. I am wondering whether that is right and proper. Is this the right proportion? Do we take it in proportion to the representation in the sense of political Parties in the House?

§ LORD WINDLESHAM
My Lords, perhaps that is something about which, if the noble Lord would be good enough to agree, we could consult through the usual channels. As I understand it, the composition of the Committee of Selection is similiar to what it was in the last Session, so I think there must be some good reasons for the present membership. But I take the point and 33 we will look at it and consult with the Party opposite.

§ On Question, Motion agreed to.