HL Deb 17 May 2000 vol 613 c28WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in preparation for the second stage of reform of the House of Lords, they will;

  1. (a) consider the extent to which the present composition of the House reflects a variety of professional experience;
  2. (b) compare the House of Lords with the House of Commons in this respect; and
  3. (c) make the results of this consideration publicly available. [HL2327]

Baroness Jay of Paddington

The Government believe that a widely based and representative composition has an important part in ensuring that the second Chamber has a distinctive role to play within Parliament. It is one of the reasons why we are minded to accept the approach of the Royal Commission that the second Chamber should have a majority of nominated members. I am sure these questions are some of those which the interim Appointments Commission will want to bear in mind when considering its nominations.