HC Deb 29 October 2001 vol 373 cc497-8W
Mr. Andrew Turner

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what discussions he has had with Sinn Fein on the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Bill. [11028]

Mr. Browne

My predecessor, the hon. Member for Knowsley, North and Sefton, East (Mr. Howarth), met with representatives of 10 Northern Ireland political parties (including Sinn Fein) between 20 and 23 November 2000. The purpose of these meetings was to discuss the Government's proposal for a Bill to counter electoral fraud in Northern Ireland.

The White Paper, "Combating Electoral Fraud in Northern Ireland" (Cm. 5080) was published in March 2001. It set out the Government's policy on electoral fraud in Northern Ireland and the legislative changes we intended to make to combat that fraud. A copy was sent to all the Northern Ireland political parties.

Mr. McNamara

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the results are of his quantitative survey of the scale of electoral fraud in Northern Ireland; and if he will place his report in the Library. [8607]

Mr. Browne

A report, presenting the quantitative findings from a research project undertaken by Research and Evaluation Services for the Northern Ireland Office and the Electoral Office, was placed in the Library of the House on Tuesday 16 October.

The purpose of the research was to inform the development of electoral policy in Northern Ireland. The results of the research will contribute to a wider discussion on the issue of electoral malpractice and provide feedback on the operation of the combined poll held on 7 June 2001.

The research was comprised of surveys of the general public, presiding officers and count staff. A series of in-depth interviews and focus groups with presiding officers was also carried out. The report placed in the Library of the House on 16 October presents the quantitative survey elements of the project—these findings relate to people's general views and perceptions of the elections held on 7 June. The qualitative feedback from presiding officers will be included in a later report to be published as part of the Northern Ireland Office's Research and Statistical Series.