Second chamber

Donald Hardie (Letters, 1 August) suggests reform of the House of Lords along the lines of the Irish Senate, which is appointed, not elected.

However, the latter has come in for a lot of criticism, including many calls for reform and even abolition.

Some point out that both Denmark and New Zealand got rid of their second chambers 60 years ago and seem to manage well without.

Probably the need for a revising chamber, proposing but not able to enact the revisions, depends on what other revision process exists (such as committees).

If powerful committees exist then a second chamber is probably not needed. But in Scotland, unfortunately, we have a unicameral legislature lacking adequate oversight and revision.

Steuart Campbell

Dovecot Loan

Edinburgh