HC Deb 30 November 2000 vol 357 cc898-9W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if it is a condition of appointment to a people's peerage that the applicant sits on the Cross Benches; and if she will make a statement. [140330]

Mr. Stringer

I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission has made clear that it is looking to recommend non-party political members of the House of Lords. Membership of a party or past political activity is not a bar to nomination but the Commission will seek to assure itself that the nominee, if recommended for appointment, will act independently of the political parties. However, once created, where a peer sits in the House of Lords is a free choice of the peer and the party whose whip he or she wishes to take.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if she will publish a breakdown of the applications for a people's peerage by(a) gender, (b) age, (c) ethnic background, (d) place of residence, (e) employment status and (f) occupation. [140326]

Mr. Stringer

I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission is still analysing the applications which it has received but hopes to make this information available soon.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office when candidates for the people's peerages will have their names submitted to Her Majesty the Queen. [140327]

Mr. Stringer

I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission hopes to be in a position to pass its recommendations to the Prime Minister in the first three months of 2001.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if unsuccessful applicants for a people's peerage are to be given reasons for their rejection. [140328]

Mr. Stringer

I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission has not undertaken to give reasons as to why a nominee has been unsuccessful.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office how many applicants for a people's peerage are to be invited for interviews. [140329]

Mr. Stringer

I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission has not yet reached a decision on this.

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if rejected applicants for a people's peerage will be allowed to re-apply. [140325]

Mr. Stringer

I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission will assess all nominations on individual merit, guided by the published assessment criteria drawn up by the Commission. Some nominees will not meet these criteria but it is of course open to them to resubmit their nominations.