HC Deb 25 January 2001 vol 361 c710W
Mr. Ivan Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to allow ministers of religion to become Members of the House of Commons. [147688]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I will today introduce a Bill which will reform the existing unfair and outdated legislation.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.