Queen's Speech — Debate (2nd Day)

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 12:10 pm on 10 May 2012.

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Photo of Baroness Hayman Baroness Hayman Crossbench 12:10, 10 May 2012

My Lords, I wish to do no disservice to the other place whatever, but the noble Lord should not do a disservice to this place either. Geographical representation is varied, but, of course, that is what the House of Commons is there for-lower Chambers are there for representation by population. It does a disservice to the diversity and expertise of this House not to think back to the Welfare Reform Bill debates in this House and to our hearing from Members who worked in voluntary organisations for the elderly, from Members with disabilities-who offer huge expertise-from the ex-director of the Refugee Council and from people who have worked for the Child Poverty Action Group. To say that they did not understand the problems being described in welfare reform seems a grave disservice to this House.