My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Maclennan of Rogart, who has a long and distinguished history of being concerned about constitutional reform. I agree with his comments about my right honourable friend the Prime Minister, his 10 years at the top and his ability to consider...

My Lords, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Maclennan of Rogart, who has a long and distinguished history of being concerned about constitutional reform. I agree with his comments about my right honourable friend the Prime Minister, his 10 years at the top and his ability to consider...

My Lords, I begin by expressing great satisfaction that the Prime Minister has shown such openness about the process of modernising our constitution and recognising that consent will ensure that it is well established. In particular, his unrivalled 10 years’ experience of Government at the top makes him better equipped...

My Lords, I begin by expressing great satisfaction that the Prime Minister has shown such openness about the process of modernising our constitution and recognising that consent will ensure that it is well established. In particular, his unrivalled 10 years’ experience of Government at the top makes him better equipped...

My Lords, on the latter question, there is nothing significant in that; we have been very clear about our position on devolution, which I referred to earlier. As to a written constitution, I have made it clear in the Statement that there are issues to consider about what should be...

My Lords, on the latter question, there is nothing significant in that; we have been very clear about our position on devolution, which I referred to earlier. As to a written constitution, I have made it clear in the Statement that there are issues to consider about what should be...

My Lords, I reassure the noble Baroness immediately that only those issues that it is appropriate to be able to discuss would be taken forward. My noble and learned friend the Attorney-General has just said in my ear that we will need to be, and will be, extremely judicious in...

My Lords, I reassure the noble Baroness immediately that only those issues that it is appropriate to be able to discuss would be taken forward. My noble and learned friend the Attorney-General has just said in my ear that we will need to be, and will be, extremely judicious in...

My Lords, to my knowledge there is absolutely no intention of so doing. We have described a discussion we wish to have to consider our residual role in the appointment of judges, but that is not about transferring it to another place.

My Lords, to my knowledge there is absolutely no intention of so doing. We have described a discussion we wish to have to consider our residual role in the appointment of judges, but that is not about transferring it to another place.

My Lords, the Statement refers to the House of Commons having a greater role in the selection of public officials, "““whose role it is to protect the public’s rights and interests””." On the face of it, that would include judges; indeed, it is a good description of what they spend...

My Lords, the Statement refers to the House of Commons having a greater role in the selection of public officials, "““whose role it is to protect the public’s rights and interests””." On the face of it, that would include judges; indeed, it is a good description of what they spend...

My Lords, I am not entirely certain whether it is accurate to say that we are the only country, but the point is well made by my noble friend. I will write to her about exactly what will be included, for she has reasonably raised issues that I am not...

My Lords, I am not entirely certain whether it is accurate to say that we are the only country, but the point is well made by my noble friend. I will write to her about exactly what will be included, for she has reasonably raised issues that I am not...

My Lords, I congratulate my noble friend, particularly on the inclusion of the proposal to limit the power of the Executive to ratify international treaties without decision by Parliament. Is she aware that the deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations said to me that the United Kingdom was the only...

My Lords, I congratulate my noble friend, particularly on the inclusion of the proposal to limit the power of the Executive to ratify international treaties without decision by Parliament. Is she aware that the deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations said to me that the United Kingdom was the only...

My Lords, the noble Lord speaks with great passion. There is no question within the Statement that I have described of the idea of a concordat between local and central government and we need to think carefully about what that should include, but there is a desire for those involved...

My Lords, the noble Lord speaks with great passion. There is no question within the Statement that I have described of the idea of a concordat between local and central government and we need to think carefully about what that should include, but there is a desire for those involved...

My Lords, when a Statement is made before the Recess about elections to this House, I beg the Leader of the House, first, to make sure that there is no suggestion that a House with greater democratic legitimacy should have fewer powers, because that would be completely absurd. Surely it...

My Lords, when a Statement is made before the Recess about elections to this House, I beg the Leader of the House, first, to make sure that there is no suggestion that a House with greater democratic legitimacy should have fewer powers, because that would be completely absurd. Surely it...

My Lords, I have always been a long believer that in your Lordships’ House we have people of talent whom we should utilise and I am delighted that the noble Lord is available to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Justice in the way that he has...

My Lords, I have always been a long believer that in your Lordships’ House we have people of talent whom we should utilise and I am delighted that the noble Lord is available to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Justice in the way that he has...

My Lords, the Lord President referred to my new role as independent advisor to the Secretary of State for Justice on some aspects of constitutional reform. I am grateful for the intervention and this is a birthday present for me today. May I clarify my role? Although I am not...

My Lords, the Lord President referred to my new role as independent advisor to the Secretary of State for Justice on some aspects of constitutional reform. I am grateful for the intervention and this is a birthday present for me today. May I clarify my role? Although I am not...

Election timetables. House of Commons Library Research Paper 07/31.

Election timetables. House of Commons Library Research Paper 07/31.

House of Lords: arrangements during the dissolution of parliament and for the meeting of new parliament. Clerk of Parliaments. 2005.

House of Lords: arrangements during the dissolution of parliament and for the meeting of new parliament. Clerk of Parliaments. 2005.

Lords business statement for the remainder of the 2004/05 session, following the announcement of the Dissolution of Parliament and General Election on 5 May.

Lords business statement for the remainder of the 2004/05 session, following the announcement of the Dissolution of Parliament and General Election on 5 May.

Business statement on the change of business for 6-8 April and announcement that Parliament will be dissolved on 11 April 2005.

Business statement on the change of business for 6-8 April and announcement that Parliament will be dissolved on 11 April 2005.

To ask the Prime Minister, if he will ask Her Majesty the Queen to allow cameras to film (a) the audience he has with Her Majesty when he requests the dissolution of Parliament and (b) the audience Her Majesty has with the person invited to form the next Government.

To ask the Prime Minister, if he will ask Her Majesty the Queen to allow cameras to film (a) the audience he has with Her Majesty when he requests the dissolution of Parliament and (b) the audience Her Majesty has with the person invited to form the next Government.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, to how many written questions tabled in the last parliamentary session his Department had been unable to provide a substantive answer before the end of the session. - Inc figures.

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, to how many written questions tabled in the last parliamentary session his Department had been unable to provide a substantive answer before the end of the session. - Inc figures.

Civil Contingencies Bill. Lords Committee stage fourth day. Clauses 20-21, 23-30, 33-36 agreed to. Clauses 22, 31 agreed to as amended. Schedule 3 agreed to. Schedule 2 agreed to as amended. Bill reported with amendments. (HL Bill 120).

Civil Contingencies Bill. Lords Committee stage fourth day. Clauses 20-21, 23-30, 33-36 agreed to. Clauses 22, 31 agreed to as amended. Schedule 3 agreed to. Schedule 2 agreed to as amended. Bill reported with amendments. (HL Bill 120).

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, whether the Secretary of State has considered, as part of the Government's programme of constitutional reform, the introduction of fixed-term parliaments; and if he will make a statement. - No.

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, whether the Secretary of State has considered, as part of the Government's programme of constitutional reform, the introduction of fixed-term parliaments; and if he will make a statement. - No.

To ask the Leader of the House, whether honourable and Right honourable Members will be allowed to remain remotely connected to the Parliamentary Network during a dissolution of Parliament.

To ask the Leader of the House, whether honourable and Right honourable Members will be allowed to remain remotely connected to the Parliamentary Network during a dissolution of Parliament.

Northern Ireland Assembly Elections Bill. Debate on allocation of time motion for proceedings on Bill. Agreed to on question. Second reading debate agreed to on question. Committed to a Committee of the Whole House. Clauses 1-2 agreed to. Bill reported without amendments. Report stage (formal). Third reading debate. Agreed to on question (passed).

Northern Ireland Assembly Elections Bill. Debate on allocation of time motion for proceedings on Bill. Agreed to on question. Second reading debate agreed to on question. Committed to a Committee of the Whole House. Clauses 1-2 agreed to. Bill reported without amendments. Report stage (formal). Third reading debate. Agreed to...

Northern Ireland Assembly Elections Bill. (Bill 74 of 2002/03). House of Commons Library Research Paper 03/21.

Northern Ireland Assembly Elections Bill. (Bill 74 of 2002/03). House of Commons Library Research Paper 03/21.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the President of Kenya's proposal to change the law allowing an extension of his presidential term; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 17 July 2002).

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what reports he has received on the President of Kenya's proposal to change the law allowing an extension of his presidential term; and if he will make a statement. (Holding answer 17 July 2002).

Fixed-term parliaments. Ten minute rule motion for leave to introduce a Bill. Agreed to on question. Presentation and first reading. (Bill 134 2001/02). To be read a second time 19 July.

Fixed-term parliaments. Ten minute rule motion for leave to introduce a Bill. Agreed to on question. Presentation and first reading. (Bill 134 2001/02). To be read a second time 19 July.

Ruling that "Questions die when we come to Dissolution. However, I will encourage Ministers to answer parliamentary questions tabled by backbenchers". In response to point of order by Sir Patrick Cormack on obtaining replies from Government departments to written questions before dissolution.

Ruling that "Questions die when we come to Dissolution. However, I will encourage Ministers to answer parliamentary questions tabled by backbenchers". In response to point of order by Sir Patrick Cormack on obtaining replies from Government departments to written questions before dissolution.

Ruling that "I cannot do that, but correspondence can be answered after Dissolution. There is nothing to stop the hon Gentleman writing and saying "Please reply to my question in writing". I should be obliged if the Minister would do that" in response to point of order from Mr Nicholas...

Ruling that "I cannot do that, but correspondence can be answered after Dissolution. There is nothing to stop the hon Gentleman writing and saying "Please reply to my question in writing". I should be obliged if the Minister would do that" in response to point of order from Mr Nicholas...

Ruling that "it is up to the Minister to decide whether he contacts candidates. We must be careful about that". In response to point of order by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown on obtaining information from Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food concerning foot and mouth disease during election campaign.

Ruling that "it is up to the Minister to decide whether he contacts candidates. We must be careful about that". In response to point of order by Geoffrey Clifton-Brown on obtaining information from Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food concerning foot and mouth disease during election campaign.

Lords debate on announcement of dissolution of Parliament. Adjournment on 11 May; Dissolution on 14 May; General election on 7 June; New Parliament to be summoned 13 June.

Lords debate on announcement of dissolution of Parliament. Adjournment on 11 May; Dissolution on 14 May; General election on 7 June; New Parliament to be summoned 13 June.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee, what plans she has to advise honourable Members of the administrative arrangements for their staff and offices consequent upon Parliament's dissolution.

To ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee, what plans she has to advise honourable Members of the administrative arrangements for their staff and offices consequent upon Parliament's dissolution.

Northern Ireland Bill. Lords committee stage first day. Clauses 1-42 agreed to, clauses 4-6, 9-16, 19-24, 27, 29, 33, 36-38 and 41 as amended. New clauses considered.

Northern Ireland Bill. Lords committee stage first day. Clauses 1-42 agreed to, clauses 4-6, 9-16, 19-24, 27, 29, 33, 36-38 and 41 as amended. New clauses considered.

Statement on Queens speech announcing prorogation of Parliament.

Statement on Queens speech announcing prorogation of Parliament.

Business question on prorogation and dissolution of the House and on Select Committee on Standards and Privileges.

Business question on prorogation and dissolution of the House and on Select Committee on Standards and Privileges.

Business question on dissolution of Parliament and the Opposition.

Business question on dissolution of Parliament and the Opposition.

Ruling that not possible for Committee on Standards and Privileges to continue work or publish reports after Parliament prorogued, and Speaker no authority to alter this. In response to points of order by various members.

Ruling that not possible for Committee on Standards and Privileges to continue work or publish reports after Parliament prorogued, and Speaker no authority to alter this. In response to points of order by various members.

Lords announcement on Dissolution of Parliament. Prorogation on 21 March; Dissolution on 8 April; General Election on 1 May; new Parliament to be summoned.

Lords announcement on Dissolution of Parliament. Prorogation on 21 March; Dissolution on 8 April; General Election on 1 May; new Parliament to be summoned.

Business statement for 17-24 March. 1st supplementary on the Building Research Establishment and future business and possible dissolution of Parliament.

Business statement for 17-24 March. 1st supplementary on the Building Research Establishment and future business and possible dissolution of Parliament.

Supplementary business question on the funding of training chartered accountants.

Supplementary business question on the funding of training chartered accountants.

Supplementary business question on resolution of the House on ministerial accountability.

Supplementary business question on resolution of the House on ministerial accountability.

Supplementary business question on funding of political parties. Supplementary business question on BSE and the disposal options for carcases.

Supplementary business question on funding of political parties. Supplementary business question on BSE and the disposal options for carcases.

Supplementary business question on primary school league tables.

Supplementary business question on primary school league tables.

Supplementary business question on grant maintained schools.

Supplementary business question on grant maintained schools.

Supplementary business question on Early Day Motion 639 on the conduct of the hon Member for Cunninghame North.

Supplementary business question on Early Day Motion 639 on the conduct of the hon Member for Cunninghame North.

Supplementary business question on Israel, Albania and Cyprus.

Supplementary business question on Israel, Albania and Cyprus.

Supplementary business question on genetic engineering.

Supplementary business question on genetic engineering.

Supplementary business question on education in Kent and the Liberal Democrats.

Supplementary business question on education in Kent and the Liberal Democrats.

Supplementary business question on the prescription of the contraceptive pill for children.

Supplementary business question on the prescription of the contraceptive pill for children.

Supplementary business question on the possible contamination of water by cryptosporidium in the Three Valleys water company area.

Supplementary business question on the possible contamination of water by cryptosporidium in the Three Valleys water company area.