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Constitutional Reform and Governance Bill

This clause deals with supplementary matters relating to this part of the Bill. Clause 34(1) has the effect that a life or hereditary peer in the House of Lords who sits in and votes on its proceedings despite meeting the conditions required for disqualification or after being expelled or suspended shall not cause the proceedings to be brought into question. The provision also applies to those who have resigned. It is primarily intended to address the types of circumstances in which a Member might more easily conceal actions that would lead to their removal under the discipline provisions of the Bill. That could be a risk if a serious offence and subsequent sentence and conviction occurs abroad. Some might argue, of course, that if a person who is not considered fit and proper to sit causes legislation to reach the statute book in a different form from what it would otherwise have been, it should require correction. However, by the same logic, we would have to call into question legislation passed, during consideration of which, for example, a peer had sat and voted who at the time had committed a serious criminal offence, but who had not yet been found guilty and therefore disqualified or expelled from the House. It is highly undesirable, of course, that a Member who is not entitled to sit and vote— Debate interrupted (Programme Order, this day). The Chairman put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair (Standing Order No. 83D), That the clause stand part of the Bill. Question agreed to. Clause 34 ordered to stand part of the Bill. The Chairman left the Chair to report progress and ask leave to sit again (Programme Order, this day). The Deputy Speaker resumed the Chair. Progress reported; Committee to sit again tomorrow.