Introduction

The Rt Hon Baroness Hayman, Lord Speaker

I am delighted to have the opportunity to introduce the 2006–7 edition of the Parliamentary Yearbook. It is only a short time since, on 4 July 2006, I became the first elected Lord Speaker of the House of Lords. I would like to feel that, like many other changes in recent times, the House has already absorbed this new development without any difficulty. While my role in the Chamber is a limited one – and is likely to remain so, as the House shows no enthusiasm for abandoning its tradition of self-regulation – there is an opportunity for me to develop a significant new role as an ambassador for the House. I look forward to explaining to a range of audiences, young and old, at home and overseas, the distinctive part which the House plays in the work of Parliament. This role will be all the more important while significant changes in the composition of the House of Lords are under discussion. While my position as Lord Speaker prevents me from expressing a view on these matters, I believe that I can play a useful part in informing debate, both inside and outside Parliament, on the role which the House performs now, and which a second chamber will continue to perform after any further reform. The Parliamentary Yearbook plays a valuable role in informing readers inside and outside Parliament, and I commend this new edition.

The Rt Hon Baroness Hayman, Lord Speaker