SIR – News that five members of the House of Lords may stand down, so as to preserve their ‘non-dom’ tax-free status, looks like a positive step on the road to its eventual reform.

However, many ordinary people wonder how it can be so easy for them to renounce their positions voluntarily for obvious financial advantage, when it is said to be difficult, if not almost impossible, to forcibly remove any peer found wanting in other ways?

Today, I understand there are at least three Lords who have served prison sentences for serious criminal offences like arson, perjury or causing death by careless driving, yet are still able, if they wish, to play an active part in the legislature of this country, even though with that kind of record they could not be MPs. Surely with such loss of repute they ought to be automatically disqualified?

Reform of the House of Lords, possibly with an all-elected and salaried second chamber able to do a proper constitutional job in the 21st century has been promised, but what is the timetable for this? The Prime Minister must clarify this as a matter of urgency.

D S Boyes, Rodley Lane, Leeds