Lords debate

Bob Bertram’s letter (29 October) and David Maddox’s article (28 October) condemning bishops in the House of Lords debating on matters of UK-wide concern prompts appraisal of a related anomaly: that of English internal matters having the ­benefit (if it is so deemed) of a revisory debate in a second chamber whereas Scottish ­domestic matters do not.

If further devolution is realised it would at least be consistent if bills passed in Edinburgh similarly went to the Lords for discussion (whether or not in a reformed House).

Many countries favour a ­bicameral system and if we are going to continue to do so in a federal arrangement, this should apply to all four nations.

James Robertson

Canongate

Edinburgh