House of Lords is the upper house of the British Parliament - unique in its archaic institution.It is composed of secular and spiritual lords, called peers.The size of the chamber of the legislation is not installed (in 1994 it included 1259 peers).
Meetings of the Parliament are held in the Palace of Westminster, built specifically for this purpose, although it is officially called the Royal (at the disposal of the House of Lords and the Commons he was only formally).The decoration of the House of Lords rather restrained, resembling an openwork carving panels of medieval chapel.
The bulk of the seats belong to peers on the rights of inheritance, they have a title of nobility is not lower than the barons.Hereditary peers are eligible to participate in the meetings of the parliament at the age of 21 years.
Part of Lords have the status of lifelong granted such a right of lifelong peers Act 1958 (provides such a right and women, including the famous Baroness Margaret Thatcher).Also, there are two categories of Lords of posts: 26 religious, 12 trials ("ordinary Lords of Appeal"), appointed by the Queen for the exercise of judicial power of the House.They do not have a title of nobility, and are not peers.The House of Lords does not allow entry of foreigners into its structure, peers bankrupt and convicted of treason.
Speaker of the House - the Lord Chancellor - has the functions in the legislative, judicial and executive branches of government.He presides during the debate, he is a member of the cabinet of the government and the head of the legal service.This is the highest civilian face of the country, it has the advantages (after members of the royal family) in comparison with other subjects, except for Archbishop Kenterbiriyskogo.
From the very beginning of its existence, the House of Lords consisted only of representatives of the landed aristocracy.Currently, this position is maintained to a greater extent.Civil servants in number in second place.The third group of peers - CEOs.The peculiarity of the House that its members before the vote is unpredictable and uncertain value.
House of Lords is known for its picturesque attraction - a sack of wool.This ottoman upholstered in red cloth, on which sits during the meetings the Lord Chancellor.Tradition about six centuries ago, Edward III introduced with the aim of reminding all of the importance for the Kingdom of this product.
House of Lords is small in size, about 30h15 meters.Right and left of the famous "vulsaka" (bag with wool) located red sofas, rising in tiers up.
until 1911 lords had the right to reject any bill that was passed by the House of Commons.But now it kept them only the right to suspensive veto - deferral period which for a variety of projects can vary from year to month.The official report on the parliament session called "Hansard".
Salary English lords do not get, except for judges, the speaker and those who simultaneously included in the composition of the cabinet.However, they are entitled to compensation for the costs for the time that there were at the meetings.On average, the content of one of Lord annual cost of 149 thousand pounds.
