Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to his Written Answer on 13 July (HL9107), what was the cost of running the hereditary by-elections following (1) Lord Bridges ceasing to be a member of the House, (2) the death of Lord Lyell, (3) the retirement of Lord Walpole, (4) the retirement of Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, and (5) the retirement of Lord Glentoran; and in each case which organisation administered the election.

1. The total cost to the House of Lords for the services provided by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) in respect of the Lord Bridges by-election was £1,140. This includes VAT at 20%

2. The total cost to the House of Lords for the services provided by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) in respect of the Lord Lyell by-election was £3,540. This includes VAT at 20%

3. The total cost to the House of Lords for the services provided by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) in respect of the Lord Walpole by-election was £1,140. This includes VAT at 20%

4. The total cost to the House of Lords for the services provided by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) in respect of the Earl Baldwin of Bewdley by-election was £1,140. This includes VAT at 20%

5. The total cost to the House of Lords for the services provided by Electoral Reform Services (ERS) in respect of the Lord Glentoran by-election was £1,140. This includes VAT at 20%

All of these are in addition to the cost of House of Lords staff time spent organising the by-election which forms part of their normal duties and is not costed separately.