IT was said to be the most important change to our constitutional system for over 300 years and yet the votes were entered into in a light hearted almost carnival atmosphere as all present, including officers of the House, were agog to see if MPs could do any better than on the previous occasion when we voted against every option for change.

We did do better but I have my doubts if we came up with the best option.

First there was a majority of 253 in favour of keeping a second chamber. A fully appointed House was rejected with a majority of 179 and I was on the winning side in both those divisions.

The options of 80% and 60% appointed with 20% and 40% elected were not called to a division. The next two options which I voted for were lost. These were 50% and 60% elected with 50% and 40% appointed.

Then the option for 80% elected and 20% appointed won with a majority of 38 and after this the wholly elected alternative won by 113 votes.

As two options were approved no one knows how this will be resolved. The Leader of the House, Rt Hon Jack Straw MP, told us that he would now recall the cross party working group and then make a statement to the House in due course. No one could tie him down to anything more definite.

I have to own up and admit I voted on the losing side for these two options that were approved because I have seen just how effective an opposition the present House of Lords can be. I believe this is largely because of its existing members, mostly appointed, many of whom are experts in their own fields. Also the present mechanism makes sure that there is a healthy proportion of Cross Bench Peers (Independents) and no election system will ensure that.

The final two divisions were on the future of the remaining hereditary peers. A large majority voted for them to be removed and a smaller majority preferred not even to wait for this until elected members will have taken their places. Again I was on the losing side because I know the tremendous value of some of the dedicated, hard working, well-informed hereditary peers.

We now have to wait for final decisions as these votes, after all, were only to show the mood of the House.