GORDON Prentice has made a bid to be a member of the special Parliamentary Joint Committee on House of Lords Reform.
The Pendle Labour MP, who wants a wholly-elected upper chamber at Westminster tackled Leader of the Commons Geoff Hoon on the issue this week.
Already Prime Minister Tony Blair has indicated that a new joint committee of MPs and peers will consider the reforms despite the failure of its predecessor to put forward any options that commanded the support of the House of Commons.
Mr Prentice told Mr Hoon: "We heard this week that the Joint Committee on House of Lords Reform will be set up as soon as possible.
"How are MPs going to be selected to participate in it?
"Will the same people who served on the previous committee serve on it and will there be room for people like me?"
Mr Hoon replied: "You are well aware, given your considerable previous experience of how committees are selected in this place, that they are selected through the usual channels by agreement.
"Those who show expertise and promise in these matters are often preferred.
"I make no comment on your qualifications."
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