HL Deb 14 July 1998 vol 592 cc20-1WA
Lord Alton of Liverpool

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration they gave to involvement in organisations such as Emily's List before appointing members of the Independent Commission on Electoral Reform; and how support for discriminatory political funding can be compatible with the objectives of the commission. [HL2681]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

The members of the Independent Commission on the Voting System were selected on the basis of their experience and expertise and to represent a broad spectrum of political views.

The Independent Commission on the Voting System has clear terms of reference. The question of political funding is being considered separately by the Committee on Standards in Public Life chaired by the noble Lord, Lord Neill of Bladon.