Right. I researched after instead of before speaking. Interesting history there. The Act that changed the system in 1999 must've caused quite a stir at the time. But you're still left with a monarchy, which kind of dulls the point of the whole "democracy" thing, doesn't it? If you're a democracy, get rid of the monarchy, the way you did the hereditary Lords. Without the queen's skirt to hide behind, the House of Lords would then be more responsive to the people, wouldn't it? And you really should do something about that title stuff...'Lord.' Why not just call them 'massuhs?' Treat it like what it is.