Peers who don’t speak ...but claim £300 a day

PEERS who did not speak once in the House of Lords last year still claimed attendance allowances totalling hundreds of thousands of pounds.

A total of 117 peers – one in seven – did not speak in debates in the chamber in 2015, including around 50 who claimed the Lords’ £300 tax-free daily attendance allowance.

Some pocketed an average of more than £4,000 a month.

The figures will spark renewed criticism of the upper house, which has been attacked as being too big and packed with party cronies and failed politicians.

Among the silent peers who claimed money is former Labour councillor Lord Taylor of Blackburn, 86, who was caught in a newspaper sting in 2009 after appearing to agree to be paid to ask questions.

Over a six-month period he claimed £29,100 in tax-free allowances. Official records suggest he has not sat on a committee since 2001.

The peer of 38 years told the Independent: ‘I have spoken to ministers behind the scenes during the year. I have attended quite regularly. I have voted quite regularly.’

He added: ‘Sometimes empty vessels make more sound.’