A LEADING constitutional expert in the House of Lords this week attacked government plans to abolish hereditary peers.
Historian Max Beloff spoke against abolition during Wednesday's and Thursday's debate on reform. More than 100 peers were listed to speak by Wednesday morning. Many life peers made clear their opposition.
Lord Beloff, professor emeritus of All Souls, Oxford, said: "I am against everything the government is doing on the constitution. The constitution developed bit by bit over centuries and never before has any government tried to telescope so much reform into such a short timescale.
"One must have continuity and balance. The House of Commons provides little balance at the moment so the Lords is the balance. I am not against reform per se but I simply do not think that the government knows what it is trying to do. They want a gesture."
Earl Russell, constitutional historian at London's Kings College and a Liberal Democrat hereditary peer, declined to speak. He said: "Basically, I do think we can defend hereditary peers. However, I am keeping my powder dry until I have read the small print of the government's white paper."
The Blair government is also seeking reforms on devolution, and the electoral process.
Reform of the Lords was part of the Labour Party's election manifesto.
The Times HigherJoctober 16J1998news 5 Lifeline: Zoe Pragnell, respiratory technician at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital, tests her lung capacity at the Sheffield occupational and environmental lung injury centre which has opened at the hospital in collaboration with Sheffield University.
steve doherty