On 27 September 1997 he was made a life peer as Baron Hardy of Wath , of Wath - upon - Dearne in the County of South Yorkshire .
Was an active member of the House of Lords until shortly before his death .
On 27 September 1997 he was made a life peer as Baron Hardy of Wath , of Wath - upon - Dearne in the County of South Yorkshire and was an active member of the House of Lords until shortly before his death .