The Bill had its third reading in the Commons on 2 April 1958, and was passed by 292 votes to 241. It received Royal Assent on 30 April.  Speculation continued for several months, however, as to whether the Labour Party would co-operate in the creation of the first batch of life peers.

In the meantime, arrangements had been devised to deal with the problem of 'backwoodsmen' and to limit their appearance in the House. Peers who had no wish to attend, or were unable to do so regularly, could now obtain leave of absence for the duration of a parliamentary session, and were not expected to attend.

Pictured is the original vellum Act (cover and text).