House of Lords Reform: Joint Committee

HL Deb 03 July 2000 vol 614 cc122-3WA

Lord Acton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they intend to propose the appointment of a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider the parliamentary aspects of reform of the House of Lords, as set out in the White Paper Modernising Parliament: Reforming the House of Lords (Cm 4183, January 1999). [HL3118]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

As my right honourable friend the President of the Council confirmed on 19 June, we aim to establish a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider the parliamentary implications of the Royal Commission on Reform of the House of Lords' proposals for the composition of the second chamber, which the Government have broadly accepted. We intend that it should begin work as soon as possible after the summer Recess. We are opening discussions through the usual channels in both Houses on the membership and precise terms of reference.