HL Deb 15 May 2002 vol 635 cc292-3
The Chairman of Committees (Lord Tordoff)

My Lords, I beg to move the Motion standing in my name on the Order Paper.

Perhaps I should apologise to the House for the somewhat abrupt way in which I withdrew the Motion yesterday. One is in a difficulty in this regard. There was a mistake in the Motion. I offer no prizes to those who can find out what it was. Having said, "Not moved", I am not allowed to explain why I said that. But today I am pleased to move the Motion.

Moved, That a Select Committee be appointed to consider and report on the law relating to religious offences;

That, as proposed by the Committee of Selection, the following Lords be named of the Committee:

  • L. Avebury,
  • L. Bhatia,
  • L. Clarke of Hampstead,
  • V. Colville of Culross (Chairman),
  • L. Grabiner,
  • L. Griffiths of Fforestfach,
  • E. Mar and Kellie,
  • B. Massey of Darwen,
  • B. Perry of Southwark,
  • Bp. Portsmouth,
  • B. Richardson of Calow,
  • B. Wilcox;
That the Committee have power to appoint specialist advisers;

That the Committee have power to adjourn from place to plac;

That the Committee do meet tomorrow at 4 o'clock in Room 134, Millbank House.—(The Chairman of Committees.)

Lord Peston

My Lords, is it possible for the Chairman of Committees or the Committee of Selection to set before your Lordships the criteria that were used in deciding who would sit on this committee? In particular, can we be assured that all ranges of opinion, including those who regard the concept of a religious offence as nonsense, will be represented on the committee? That would assure us that the committee will meet the usual high standards of your Lordships' House and approach this matter in a totally objective manner.

The Chairman of Committees

My Lords, the noble Lord has answered his own question. Committees of this House approach matters in an objective fashion. It may not be possible for all shades of religious opinion—and none—to be included on a Select Committee; that would involve a Select Committee of several thousands. I am sure that all views can be presented to the committee, from whatever quarter they come. I have every confidence that the Chairman and Members of the Committee will approach the subject in a thoroughly impartial way.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

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