§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, this might be an appropriate moment for me to remind the House that yesterday we approved without debate a Motion moved by the noble Lord, Lord Belstead, the Deputy Leader of the House, in respect of your Lordships' allowances. Since then, there was a debate late last night in another place and the other place carried by a substantial majority an amendment providing Members of another place with a substantially increased allowance. I ask the noble Viscount the 1018 Leader of the House to what extent this affects the Motion we passed yesterday, and whether any further consideration can be given to the position of noble Lords in this House in the light of the vote in another place last night. I wonder whether the noble Viscount would be good enough, either today or tomorrow, to make a Statement on this matter.
§ Viscount WhitelawMy Lords, it is perfectly true that on my behalf my noble friend Lord Belstead moved the Resolution in your Lordships' House yesterday afternoon, and it was a Resolution in line with what the Government themselves put forward to another place. Your Lordships felt able to agree to that Resolution last night. It is not for me to say whether, in the circumstances, the Members of another place were right or wrong. I merely confine myself to saying that they decided not to take the same view as the Government—that is something that people do from time to time—and they defeated the Government on this matter.
In view of that, if the noble Lord wishes it, I think we should consider this matter carefully through the usual channels and I shall make a Statement to the House next week if, after those consultations, it is thought appropriate to do so.
§ Lord Cledwyn of PenrhosMy Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Viscount.
§ Baroness SeearMy Lords, we on these Benches also agree that that is the most appropriate way to deal with the matter.