Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Redesdale (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 22 October 2007.

Prime Minister: Dissolution of Parliament

Question: My Lords, I thank the Leader of the House for that reply. I must declare a financial interest: I lost money at the bookies on the date of the next general election. Considering that, perhaps she could think about suggesting to the Prime Minister that he revisit the idea of having fixed-term Parliaments. The Prime Minister said that the reason why he did not call an election—the reason why I lost that money—was that he wanted to fulfil his ““vision”” for a Parliament. If he had a fixed-term Parliament perhaps he would not need to worry about snap elections and could have five years to fulfil that vision.

Answer: My Lords, I have heard many reasons given for fixed-term Parliaments, but making sure that the noble Lord is not relieved of his money is not one which I expected to hear. I commiserate with him, but he will also recall that the Prime Minister was very careful about this. He spoke only when he had made up his mind and made the decision, which was the right one.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 695 c853
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: House of Commons General elections Dissolution Powers Parliamentary scrutiny Prime Minister
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk