Electoral Administration Bill

I thank noble Lords for taking part in this short debate. It is a subject of immense importance, and one which we probably find easier to deal with here than elsewhere, where they would be stomping on their own living, as it were. I hear the criticism of the words ““above all other considerations””, and accept it. It might have been better to have tipped it slightly more towards the maintenance of equal numbers by saying ““making particular regard to””. If I decide to return to it—I have not yet decided whether I will—I will ensure that ““above all other considerations”” does not appear again. I also appreciate that the Boundary Commission is not well loved when it gets going. I have had enough to do with the Boundary Commission over the years to know that appearing before it and arguing the toss is not something which you want to have to do very often. None the less, the trouble with our communities is that they are very mobile. Areas of the country quickly get substantially larger populations, and constituency numbers thereby become quite distorted. We must somehow find a way of being slightly more flexible about constituencies, so that we maintain one of the most valuable parts of our parliamentary system—having a representative Member of Parliament—but representing the correct number of people; all Members of Parliament representing as equal a number of people as possible. I recognise that this amendment is probably defective. I am not sure whether I will bring it back for a Thursday debate; I might just run it by your Lordships again on Report. In the mean time, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 96 not moved.] Clause 20, as amended, agreed to.