HL Deb 12 January 2000 vol 608 c122WA
Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What consideration will be given to the age profile and size of the membership of the House of Lords in future years if Stage 2 of reform does not occur. [HL111]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The Government have every intention of implementing the second stage of reform. The Government have therefore not given any consideration to the age profile or the size of membership of the House of Lords if Stage 2 of reform does not occur.

Earl Attlee

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What they expect will be the average age and size of the membership of the House of Lords in 10 and 20 years' time if the age profile of future appointments does not change significantly and if Stage 2 of reform does not occur. [HL112]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

It is not possible to estimate either the average age of the members of the House nor the size of the House in either 10 or 20 years' time. This is because it is not possible to predict the longevity of peers. Nor is it possible to foresee existing peers taking leave of absence on the grounds of frailty or illness or for any other reason.

The Government are presently committed to achieving parity of numbers with the main Opposition Party and ensuring that, over time, party appointees as life peers more accurately reflect the proportion of votes cast at the previous general election.