Letter: Elected peers

Sir: The Earl of Burford (letter, 28 June) suggests that the House of Lords Bill is a hybrid one. However, we have checked with the Public Bill Office in Parliament, who assure us that the Bill, with the Weatherill amendment, is not hybrid.

Reforming the Lords is inevitably complex, but abolition of hereditary peers was a manifesto commitment by the Government, who have subsequently agreed a commendable compromise to retain 92 until full reform.

This will enable the second chamber to continue carrying out effectively its task of revising and improving legislation. The fact that the 750 hereditary peers will elect the 92 to represent them appears to be an honourable solution, and those who attend regularly will clearly stand a better chance than those who do not.

PETER SANGUINETTI

Director

Common Sense for Lords Reform

London SW1