I AM flattered by your reference to me as 'ever perky' (LET, May 24), but dismayed that you took my suggestion seriously that the membership of the Upper House should be selected randomly, as with juries.

I raised the issue to underline the absurdity of the Wakeham proposals for the reformed Second Chamber, which, in a democratic age, are simply indefensible.

The idea that individuals should be appointed to Parliament for a 15-year term, with a possible extension to 30 years, is risible.

I have always believed in having a small, directly-elected Lords, with a membership of no more than 100. Its powers would be circumscribed and the Commons would retain its primacy.

This coincides with the view of the Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

GORDON PRENTICE (MP for Pendle), House of Commons, London SW1.