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Proceeding contribution from Jack Straw (Labour) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 20 October 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill.

Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

They are the sons. I note the point that the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Mrs. Laing) makes, but because of the time that has elapsed the system of by-elections has been used not to weaken the hereditary principle but to maintain it. We should look at the sort of electorates involved, as they flatter the electorates for the unreformed House of Commons before the Reform Act 1832. Dunchurch, which fell into the sea, had 32 voters: in the last election for a hereditary, there were just 27 voters—and 33 candidates. Moreover, one electoral chamber has just four electors.

Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
497 c806 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Disciplinary proceedings Courts British nationality Conduct Devolution Civil servants Civil service Diplomatic service Attorney General By-elections Elections Human rights House of Lords Judiciary Electoral register Hereditary peers Government departments Judges Electoral systems Misconduct Northern Ireland Public appointments Parliament Square Protest Public expenditure Parliamentary scrutiny Politics and government Peers Parliament Special advisers Public order National Audit Office Overseas residence Scotland Tribunals Treaties Reform Wales Voting rights Royal prerogative Civil Service Commission
Legislation
Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill 2008-09 to 2009-10
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk