Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 30 November 2000. It was answered by Graham Stringer (Labour) on Thursday, 30 November 2000 on behalf of the Cabinet Office.

Cabinet Office

Question: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if it is a condition of appointment to a people's peerage that the applicant sits on the cross benches; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office if it is a condition of appointment to a people's peerage that the applicant sits on the Cross Benches; and if she will make a statement. [140330] Mr. Stringer: I understand that the House of Lords Appointments Commission has made clear that it is looking to recommend non-party political members of the House of Lords. Membership of a party or past political activity is not a bar to nomination but the Commission will seek to assure itself that the nominee, if recommended for appointment, will act independently of the political parties. However, once created, where a peer sits in the House of Lords is a free choice of the peer and the party whose whip he or she wishes to take.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 357 c899W; 140330
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Applications House of Lords House of Lords composition Public appointments Political parties Peers Life peers Crossbenchers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk