Plan seeks lords' ouster

LONDON, Feb. 1 (UPI) -- Britain's justice secretary says he is seeking to have expelled members of Parliament who are convicted of crimes or failing to pay taxes.

The Times of London reported Sunday that Secretary Jack Straw wants legislation that would expel Lords Jeffery Archer and Conrad Black before the next general election, which has to be held by May 2010.

Archer received a four-year jail sentence for perjury and perverting the course of justice, while Black, the former Daily Telegraph owner, was jailed for fraud.

Meanwhile, at least seven Members of Parliament could lose their seats for being listed as "non-domiciled" or "non-resident" to avoid paying British taxes, the newspaper reported

Straw said the measures are meant to increase public confidence in Parliament, which has been wracked with scandal in recent months.