Out of bounds

MPs are nervous about the effect of boundary changes. A reduction in the size of the 800-strong House of Lords would seem a much better way of reducing costs.

But the real problem with the reduction in the number of MPs is the steady erosion of parliamentary democracy. More than 100 MPs are ministers, under- secretaries or whips. there are very few MPs who can act as free and honest representatives of their constituencies.

HUGH LEGGE, Northampton. It IS hardly surprising MPs are unhappy with the latest Boundary commission proposals.

turkeys don’t vote for christmas. We need to reduce the number of MPs, and to suggest elevating losers to the House of Lords is perverse.

the commission’s report is politically neutral and has been compiled after years of research. to suggest MPs can veto it for their advantage is undemocratic.

GEORGE KELLY, Maids Moreton, Bucks.