§ 2.48 p.m.
Lord MERTHYRMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether any decision has been reached about enabling Members of this House to vote at Parliamentary Elections.
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, the Government incline to the view that such a change might be made when a suitable legislative opportunity arises.
§ Lord ABERDAREMy Lords, could the noble Lord go a little further? What does he mean? Is there likely to be a suitable legislative occasion? Does he mean that he thinks that Peers should have the power to vote at Parliamentary Elections?
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, I hope that the noble Lord will be appreciative of the fact that the reply I have given is similar to the reply that I gave on a previous occasion; namely, that the Government are perfectly prepared to look at this matter, but they cannot at the moment give any assurance that they would provide Parliamentary time for such a Bill.
§ Baroness ELLESMy Lords, in connection with Parliamentary Elections, can the Minister say whether Peers might take part in elections to the European Parliament and whether this is an allied subject?
§ Lord HARRIS of GREENWICHMy Lords, as the noble Baroness will appreciate, this matter is covered in the Government's Green Paper.