§ 33. Mrs. Anne CampbellTo ask the President of the Council what representations he has received arising from the recent votes on the reform of the House of Lords. [101902]
§ Mr. Robin CookI have received several letters from hon. and right hon. Members on behalf of their constituents, and a number more* from members of the public. In addition, my hon. Friend the Member for Hemel Hempstead (Mr. McWalter) asked me about reform during last week's Business Statement. I said then that I had no plans to bring the issue back to this House until a fresh consensus has emerged.
* 115 since October 2002.
§ 34. Mr. HeathTo ask the President of the Council he will make a statement on progress towards House of Lords reform. [101903]
§ Mr. Robin CookFollowing the votes in both Houses last month, the Joint Committee is now considering options for the way forward. I understand they are to meet again on 25 March 2003. It will be for the Joint Committee to decide what, and when, they wish to report to both Houses. As I told the House on 6 March 2003,Official Report, column 969, I think that it would be premature to bring the matter back to the House until there is at least the makings of a majority in this Chamber for a particular way of reform.