HL Deb 25 January 2001 vol 621 c24WA
Baroness Cohen of Pimlico

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When will they introduce legislation to remove the disqualification on certain clergy from sitting in the House of Commons. [HL495]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)

We have today introduced a Bill which will reform the existing unfair and outdated legislation. It will remove any disqualification from membership of the House of Commons that arises by reason of a person having been ordained or being a minister of a religious denomination.