ABSTRACT
There exists a system of ‘whipping’ which ensures some party political control over Members, although the extent of that control is far less than the control exerted by the whips in the Commons. The House of Lords is generally a far less party-political forum than the elected House of Commons. It must also be remembered that the House of Lords contains approximately 200 cross benchers, or independents, who do not owe allegiance to any particular political party. This group represents a potentially significant force in so far as the way in which cross benchers will vote cannot necessarily be foreseen in advance, let alone guaranteed. These factors, together with the independence of the House and not being accountable to an electorate, result in a scrutinising body which can review legislation in depth and largely free from the political and procedural controls which are prevalent in the House of Commons.
