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Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Fowler (Crossbench). It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 9 December 2024.


House of Lords: Numbers and Eligibility

Question

To ask His Majesty’s Government what plans they have to reduce the number of peers who are eligible to sit in the House of Lords.

Answer

My Lords, the scrutiny and challenge role of the House of Lords is important, but the House has grown in size as introductions have increased faster than departures. The Government’s manifesto outlines several measures that could have the effect of reducing the size of the House. The first is the removal of hereditary Peers; further measures include retirement age and participation requirements. I am grateful for the debate that we had last month and the engagement of colleagues from across the House on these issues. I am keen to continue this ongoing dialogue about how best to implement these commitments.


Secondary information

Type
Oral question
Reference
841 cc1461-4 
Session
2024-26
Oral question type
Lead
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Attendance House of Lords Peers Reform Retirement
Link
View this Oral question on hansard.parliament.uk