Publisher's Synopsis
Over recent years the House of Lords has become more prominent in the business of government, with Mrs. Thatcher suffering some of her worst parliamentary setbacks at the hands of peers. This full-length study of the House analyzes its contemporary role in British politics, its procedures and membership, and considers various proposals for reform. The book's comprehensiveness will prove invaluable to those seeking a clearer understanding of the operation and make-up of Britain's Upper Chamber. Contents: 1 The House of Lords and Constitutional Development; 2 Membership of the House; 3 The Role of Political Parties in the House; 4 The Organization and Procedure of the House; 5 The Legislative Work of the House; 6 The Treatment of Government Legislation, 1979-87; 7 The Deliberative Work of the House; 8 Select Committees and Secondary Legislation; 9 What Role for the Lords?; Appendix A: Expenses Payments for Peers and Remuneration for Office Holders in the House of Lords; Appendix B: Peerages Disclaimed, 1963-87; Appendix C: Debates and Select Committee Reports on Televising the House of Lords; Principal Sources; Bibliography; Index^R.
