News Exercise #291

1 How did the Earl Of Selborne attain his title?
2 How is it possible to become a life peer, meaning a peer that was non-inherited?
3 What is one way that a member of the Lords be more beneficial to the population than a Member of Commons, according to the Earl Of Selborne?
4 What are some of the controversial benefits of being a Lord?
5 How did the Lords’ Speaker justify the need for a chauffeur-driven car?

Answers:
1 How did the Earl Of Selborne attain his title?
He inherited it from his grandfather, who died in 1971.
2 How is it possible to become a life peer, meaning a peer that was non-inherited?
People can be inducted as life peers when chosen by members of a committee (other members of the Lords) or by attaining the church position of Bishop.
3 What is one way that a member of the Lords be more beneficial to the population than a Member of Commons, according to the Earl Of Selborne?
He said that MPs are elected by their constituents and are therefore focused on their next election, whereas Lord doesn’t have that to consider, and can therefore ‘step back’ from those pressures.
4 What are some of the controversial benefits of being a Lord?
They can claim expenses, above the actual costs, and some have salaries including a chauffeur-driven car.
5 How did the Lords’ Speaker justify the need for a chauffeur-driven car?
She said that she was entertaining foreign dignitaries, who for security reasons cannot use public transport.