 A Deputy Leader is also appointed by the Prime Minister, and takes the place of an absent or unavailable leader.The Clerk of the Parliaments is the chief clerk and officer of the House of Lords (but is not a member of the House itself).The Clerk, who is appointed by the Crown, advises the presiding officer on the rules of the House, signs orders and official communications, endorses bills, and is the keeper of the official records of both Houses of Parliament.