The composition of the House of Lords is a matter for Parliament and the people as a whole rather than Members of this House. My Lords, the noble Lord paraphrases his Writ of Summons. In answering a comparable question, my noble friend the Lord Privy Seal withdrew from any commitment on this issue. My Lords, it is true that there is no provision in legislation for party manifestos to have universal assent. But it was the noble Lord's own party which introduced the Salisbury convention by which, at least in this House, party manifestos have some effect.
Political parties are here today and gone tomorrow.
The Government become the Opposition and the Opposition become the Government in due course. My Lords, I am fascinated by the remarks of the noble Earl. My Lords, we who sit on these Benches have listened with interest to what has been said. My Lords, of course. Broadcasting of Parliamentary Proceedings 3.26 p.m.