§ Lord Pearson of Rannochasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Jay of Paddington on 29 July [HL3884], why it would not be appropriate for them to comment on whether they have indicated to any hereditary Peers, apart from those of first creation, that they will or may recommend them to the Queen for a life peerage in connection with the passing of the House of Lords Bill. [HL4091]
§ Lord Falconer of ThorotonThe hereditary Peers of first creation are a clearly defined class of Peer, whose position under the House of Lords Bill is unique. It was therefore considered appropriate to indicate what treatment they were being offered as a class. With respect to all other hereditary Peers, comments on whether or not any had been recommended for life peerages would risk identifying individuals within a class on a discriminatory basis. It would not be appropriate to change the convention that the Government do not make any such comment in advance of any formal announcement.