21 APRIL 2007, Page 24

Peers were a bargain

Sir: The Duke of Buccleuch (‘Senator Duke?’, 7 April) is right to propose reform of the House of Commons. Compare the cost of an MP now with the corresponding figure in 1970, including salary, secretary, researchers, second home, travel, pension and other allowances (e.g. publicity) and consider how this increase compares with the general rise in the cost of living over that period. Any such comparison demonstrates what a bargain hereditary peers were as legislators.

Gerald Warner Glasgow, Scotland