Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 3 February 2009 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Topical Questions

Question: Will the Justice Secretary reflect on the fact that, when a Prime Minister parachutes somebody into the House of Lords simply because he requires that person to be a Minister, it seems absurd and unfair to ordinary citizens that that person should remain a Member of Parliament in perpetuity? Surely those Ministers should cease to be Members of the House of Lords when, after 12 months, they give up? There is a precedent for this, because the bishops are not there for life—they are there only for the duration of their time as a diocesan bishop—and the same applies to the Law Lords. If my right hon. Friend agrees about this, can we incorporate the appropriate measures into this great legislative reform, when we get round to it?...For ever?

Answer: It goes without saying that my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister's appointments of Ministers who have then been promoted to the House of Lords have involved people who can make a continuing contribution to the other place— ...For many years to come. However, there is much in my hon. Friend's point, and it was considered at some length by the joint cross-party group on House of Lords reform, which I chaired. I am quite sure that it will be an issue when—not if—this House finally considers the whole issue of House of Lords reform.

Secondary information