Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Debate between Lord Maclennan of Rogart and Lord Hamilton of Epsom

Monday 24th January 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Hamilton of Epsom]

Can my noble friend tell the House how many Members of the Scottish Parliament represent the area of his old constituency?

[Lord Maclennan of Rogart]

There is one MSP directly representing the area and there are list top-ups for the wider area of the highlands. That does not seem to me in any way to diminish the problem of those who are participating in national debates about United Kingdom issues whose contact with electors ought to be real, not remote. I believe that in matters of taxation, foreign policy, defence and energy policy and in matters directly affecting the prosperity of these areas, their voices should be heard and should be informed by their direct contact.

Although I do not regard the formula in the Bill as ideal, to extract it from the Bill would prejudice further consideration of what would be the better solution. I profoundly hope that we will arrive at a better solution before the Bill leaves this House.