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Does the House of Lords Appointments Commission have the powers it needs to carry out its role effectively?

21 March 2024

In the third evidence session of its inquiry into Membership of the House of Lords, PACAC will next week take evidence from the current and former Chairs of the House of Lords Appointments Commission (HOLAC).

Witnesses

Tuesday 26 March, Committee Room 16, Palace of Westminster

At 10.00am

  • Baroness Deech DBE KC, Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission
  • Lord Bew, Former Chair of the House of Lords Appointments Commission

Committee members raise the issue of the appointments process, discussing the remit and powers which HOLAC possesses, and will ask whether Prime Ministers should be limited to a maximum number of appointments to the Lords.

MPs question witnesses on the matter of attendance within the Lords and are likely to ask whether there should be another body, separate from HOLAC, to monitor peers’ attendance, post their appointment to the House.

PACAC also question witnesses on whether there is an enduring role for Hereditary Peers and Lords Spiritual in the House of Lords, and whether it would be beneficial for HOLAC to be put on statutory footing.

Further information

Image: Parliamentary copyright