UK News 08-11-1999 Lords Clash With Government Over Welfare Bill who: The House of Lords what: Is gearing up for a new clash with the government over its plans to restrict benefits for the disabled where: LONDON when: Yesterday snippet: "The House of Lords is gearing up for a new clash with the government over its plans to restrict benefits for the disabled," reports the BBC today. "Senior ministers made clear they would not tolerate further interference with the plans, despite the impassioned opposition of many Labour backbenchers and peers." This refers to last week`s backbench revolt in which 54 Labour MPs voted against the proposals, which would severely tighten regulations on disability benefits. In a new twist, the bill has now become a focus for the constitutional argument on the role of the Lords. But, reports The Independent, Secretary of State for Social Security Alistair Darling is determined to drive the legislation through. "I am not prepared to see a situation where a major piece of legislation bringing benefits to millions of people is blocked." And Baroness Jay, the Leader of the Lords, warned Labour peers that opposition was pointless. The bill will go through, she said. "It may take another round of what they call ping-pong ... but I think that ultimately we will get it, and we will get it, because it`s a good Bill." [... more]

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