Member

However, I recognise the Government’s concern on this, so I can tell the House today that if the Government were to meet us on the second part of this package and permit existing former hereditary Peers in some numbers to continue their service here, consultations with my colleagues suggest that we could come forward with a significant number of voluntary retirements to address concern about numbers. I cannot speak for the Cross Benches, but it may be possible there too. On numbers, we will also consider what might be done on whipping arrangements and look with interest on other amendments tabled on this Bill, including those on participation. Surely, if we are to exclude anyone it should be those who do not take part, not those who do. Many on all sides would agree with that.