HL Deb 16 July 2001 vol 626 cc100-1WA
Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Governement:

Whether the conferment of a peerage on Baroness Morgan of Huyton was approved by the Appointments Commission; and, if not, why, when and by whom it was decided not to seek the Commission's approval. [HL229]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government have always made it clear that in relation to party political peers, the Appointments Commission was taking over the role formerly fulfilled by the Political Honours Scrutiny Committee. It was never the custom that appointments to the Lords to enable someone to take up ministerial office should be subject to scrutiny by that committee.

Lord Oakeshott of Seagrove Bay

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there has been any communication between the Government and the Appointments Commission in relation to the conferment of a peerage on Baroness Morgan of Huyton. [HL230]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

No.