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Written question asked by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour) on Thursday, 22 October 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 5 November 2015. It was answered by Baroness Stowell of Beeston (Conservative) on Thursday, 5 November 2015 on behalf of the Leader of the House of Lords.


Peers: Ministerial Policy Advisers

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment has been made of whether denying a member of the House of Lords who is a Special Adviser the right to speak is in breach of the letters patent, which refer to "seat" and "voice".

Answer

A member of the House of Lords who is eligible to take part in the work of the House, and who is also a serving special adviser, is not denied the right to speak. It has, however, been an accepted practice under successive administrations that members in that position vote but refrain from speaking.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2899
Session
2015-16
Subjects
House of Lords Peers Special advisers Speeches
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk