I WRITE to tell you how to nominate people as non-party political members of the House Of Lords. Today we also invite the public to let us have their nominations.

In May, the Prime Minister set up the Appointments Commission as part of transitional arrangements for the reform of the House Of Lords. The commission will make recommendations on non-party political life peers and the Prime Minister has undertaken to pass these to the Queen in the same way as he will pass those put forward by political parties. The commission will also vet all nominations for life peers, including those made by the political parties, for the highest standards of propriety.

We seek nominees with outstanding personal qualities such as integrity, independence, a significant record of achievement in their chosen way of life with the ability to make an effective and significant contribution to the work of the House Of Lords, and the time to do so. Our recommendations will be made on the basis of individual merit. Nomination details are set out in an information pack. For a copy ring 0117 982 1171 or visit our website: www.houseoflordsappointmentscommission.gov.uk

Dennis Stevenson,

House of Lords Appointments Commission, Great Smith Street, London.