21 FEBRUARY 1987, Page 5

PEER GROUP

BY HER creation of new peers last week, Mrs Thatcher deferred to the rather dis- tasteful notion of 'working peers'. If these creations, separate from peerages in the twice-yearly honours lists, are to continue, they must be visibly fair. The major parties must normally be represented in every set of new creations. The thing is a disgrace and a nonsense if, as last week, Mrs Thatcher keeps out the Alliance. There should be all-party agreement on how such creations should be managed. We suggest that a committee of distinguished peers be set up to establish appropriate conven- tions. It should consist of Lords Home, Grimond and Elwyn-Jones and be chaired by the former Speaker, Lord Tonypandy.