LIFE EXPECTANCY OF LIFE PEERS

Early day motion 376, tabled 9 February 2000 by Gordon Prentice (Labour). Signed by 23 members.

That this House notes the recommendation of the Royal Commission on the Reform of the House of Lords which allows for existing life peers to remain in the Upper House should they so wish; further notes that the average age of male life peers is around 70 years compared with 64 years for women; calculates that the expected number of life peers dying within 11 years is around 49 per cent. of the 545 life peers (out of 550) whose dates of birth are readily available; postulates that it would be around 20 years before this expected number reached three quarters of existing life peers and 29 years before this figure reached 90 per cent.; considers is inappropriate for appointed peers to serve in Parliament long into the 21st century; recognises that appointment is no substitute for election; and calls for a wholly elected Upper House of 100 members.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Labour/Co-operative 2, Liberal Democrat 2.