§ Lord Pattenasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend that Peers who have committed crimes leading to a sentence of 12 months or more imprisonment should be removed from membership of the House only if the jurisdiction of the court is in the United Kingdom. [HL218]
§ The Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)The Government are currently consulting on whether Peers sentenced to more than 12 months' imprisonment should be disqualified from the House of Lords, bringing provisions relating to disqualification more into line with the House of Commons. Before deciding on the precise details of the provisions, the Government will analyse the results of that consultation. We intend to introduce legislation this Session.