HC Deb 15 November 1979 vol 973 c1493
16. Mr. Soley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring forward proposals to repeal section 4 of the Representation of the People Act 1969, so as to allow convicted persons to vote during detention.

Mr. Brittan

We have no present plans to do so.

Mr. Soley

Does not the Minister agree that the deprivation of liberty is sufficient punishment in itself and that prisoners should not be deprived of other human rights? Will he reconsider his position?

Mr. Britian

I am not prepared to reconsider this position. It has long been accepted that one of the consequences of a conviction and a custodial sentence is the loss of various civil rights, of which this is one.

Mr. Heddle

Would my hon. and learned Friend consider repealing parts of the Representation of the People Act 1969 in order to allow those on holiday to vote in United Kingdom elections?

Mr. Speaker

That is another question altogether. The hon. Member should put it on the Order Paper.