Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Thomas of Winchester (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Monday, 15 October 2007.

Speaker’s Conference: Voting Systems

Question: My Lords, I thank the Minister for that encouraging reply. I am encouraged that the agenda has not yet been set entirely. Will he press for voting reform for Westminster to be included as a vital part of the conference? After all, the Prime Minister has said that he wants a national debate about strengthening our democracy. If voting reform is left out of the Speaker’s Conference it will be the elephant in the room.

Answer: My Lords, I first congratulate the noble Baroness on her birthday today. I am afraid that I have to disappoint her. I am not prepared to press in the direction that she has suggested. My right honourable friend the Prime Minister has made it clear that he wishes the Speaker’s Conference to be concerned with issues to do with the decline in turnout. I do not think that it should be distracted by going down the cul-de-sac suggested by the noble Baroness.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 695 c526-7
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Electoral systems Reform Speaker's Conference on Parliamentary Representation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk