Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (CB)

That is most helpful and I apologise for not having read that properly. It was raised earlier in the week as well. I thank the noble Baroness for the clarification. One aspect glossed over in the report is that some become less able to contribute well before the age of 80; infirmity is not the preserve of older people. There was no reference to an occupational health service, to which those who appear to have dwindling faculties, no insight or other problems could be referred for in-depth assessment. Some of us have been seeking that for some time. Standard appraisal processes would not work effectively, because those who attend rarely would not be adequately known to colleagues and staff. However, the staff here know only too well who should be seen by an occupational health service. As for wider reform, no one should think that the widely varied and independent Cross-Bench Peers could be elected. They could not be elected if they do not have the funding, know-how or support to run an electoral campaign, and that lack will exclude many. The report is sensible as far as it goes, but it will not solve all the difficulties of infirmity or simply being “out of touch”. Unless prime ministerial patronage is curbed or ceases, until HOLAC is the route through which all potential Peers are assessed, and until we recognise that younger appointees will be in the House of Lords for decades and they may also fail, our functions may not be enhanced. However, we should heed this thoughtful report, which the noble Baroness, Lady Taylor, presented very well. The danger is that it could be consigned to the shelves unless we are brave enough to embrace it and end prime ministerial patronage as it stands today.