Examination of Witness (Questions 500-501)
RT HON
LORD STEEL
OF AIKWOOD
22 APRIL 2008
Q500 Mr Tyrie: It has been put to,
not this Committee but another committee, the Democracy Task Force
I served on with Ken Clarke, that it was an insuperable problem
for some and that is why I am asking you.
Lord Steel of Aikwood: People
are finding difficulties for every solution.
Q501 Chairman: Do you think the position
of the second chamber, whether the House of Lords or a reformed
second chamber, is actually or potentially anomalous or, conversely,
do you see any merit in the idea that a second chamber should
have a specifically United Kingdom role and serve in some way
as a second chamber to parliaments in looking after England, Scotland,
Wales and Northern Ireland?
Lord Steel of Aikwood: If you
are looking ahead to an elected second chamber, replacing the
present House of Lords, it would make sense to give it some role,
in a way like the Bundersrat in Germany has, as a federal
institution representing the different regions. Again, it is not
for me to comment on English matters, but that might enable the
English regions to feel that they have a locus as well in such
a chamber.
Chairman: Lord Steel, thank you very
much indeed.
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