HL Deb 15 May 2002 vol 635 cc60-1WA
Lord Swinfen

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether at any time Members of the House of Commons have received compensation when their constituency ceased to exist or as a result of changes made by the Boundary Commission; and whether they have any proposals to give compensation in future. [HL4090]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Members of the Commons who retire or are not re-elected have been eligible for resettlement grants since 1971. Since 1950, Boundary Commission reviews have either maintained or increased the total number of seats.. The reduction in the number of parliamentary seats in Scotland as a result of Secton 86 of the Scotland Act is a new factor. The Government are considering whether additional measures are needed; any proposals will be brought before the House of Commons.