HL Deb 22 July 1999 vol 604 cc123-4WA
Lord Patten

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to prevent ageism in politics. [HL3548]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

Politics in the UK already benefits from the participation of people of all ages. The law sets down some minimum ages for participation in the political process but no maxima. Freedom of speech is an important element of that process. It is not clear that government action is either necessary or likely to be effective in this undefined and unquantified area.