It processes and revises legislation. Bills have to go through various stages in both Houses before they receive Royal Assent and become Acts. The Lords spends about two-thirds of its time revising or initiating legislation. It acts as a check on the Government. Members question the Government orally or by written questions, they debate policy issues and scrutinise secondary legislation.

It provides a forum of independent expertise. Specialist Select Committees enable members’ wide ranging expertise to be actively used. The European Communities Committee has 6 sub-committees involving over 60 members who vet proposed European legislation. The Science and Technology Committee involves over 20 Members in examining science policy.

It acts as a final Court of Appeal. The House, through its Appellate Committee fulfills this function for the United Kingdom in civil cases and for England, Northern Ireland and Wales in criminal cases. Members include the Law Lords and the Lord Chancellor.

The Science and Technology Committee                                                                               Picture of the House Of Lords

Rememberance for Order and Decency to be kept in the Upper House Of Parliament, by the Lords.

Arrangements when Her Majesty present.

22 December 1720.*                                                        

(1) When Her Majesty comes publicly to the House, the Lords shall be attired in their robes or in such other dress as may be approved by Her Majesty, and shall sit in their due places.

(2) At all such solemn times, before Her Majesty comes, no person other than a Lord shall be allowed on the floor of the House except:                                                                                      (a) such members of the Royal Family as Her Majesty may direct;                                                                (b) Judges summoned by writ and the officers and attendants of this House;

(3) No person whatsoever shall presume to stand upon the steps of the Throne but such as carry Her Majesty's train and those that bear the Regalia.

(4) The approaches to the House shall be kept clear from all unauthorised persons, and the Lord Great Chamberlain shall be desired to take care to see this Order duly observed.

End Of An Era For Heriditary Peers

Hundreds of hereditary peers have lost their centuries-old right to sit and vote in the Lords amid sombre scenes. The historic House of Lords Bill finally cleared its last hurdle and went on to receive Royal Assent after months of bitter battle. When the news was relayed to the Commons Labour MPs cheered but in the Lords there was a murmur of protest.

Ninety two hereditaries will live on in the transitional Upper House under the deal brokered by crossbench convener Lord Weatherill. Tory former Prime Minister Baroness Thatcher was in the Lords for the dying moments of the parliamentary session as the Bill completed its passage. Wearing funereal black, she sat stony faced as Lords Leader Baroness Jay paid tribute to the hundreds of years of service hereditaries and their ancestors had given Parliament.

It took less than two hours in a crowded chamber where some peers were close to tears for proceedings on the Bill to be completed as the Lords decided not to defy the Commons over reversal of two Government defeats. A champagne party for the whole Upper House was taking place in the Royal Gallery off the Princes Chamber but there were few signs of celebration among hereditary peers who trooped out of the Lords for the last time.

(News Unlimited)

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