Letter: 70 years a lord

Sir: Whilst the Earl of Listowel's service in the House of Lords was lengthy (obituary, 13 March), he was not actually the longest-serving member of the House. That distinction is held by the 4th Lord Oranmore and Browne, sitting by virtue of his UK peerage of Lord Mereworth. He took his seat after the death of his father in 1927, and is thus the effective "Father of the House" in the upper chamber.

MATTHEW SEWARD

London SW19