§ Mr. SpeakerI have a statement to make. In the course of debates on the Local Government Bill indications were given that I had agreed in principle to preside over a conference to consider various matters of electoral law. The Prime Minister has now formally invited me to preside over such a conference and I have agreed to do so.
The terms of reference of the conference will be as follows:
To examine, and, if possible, submit agreed resolutions on, the following matters relating to parliamentary elections—I shall inform the House as soon as possible of the names of those who have accepted my invitation to serve as members of the conference, and also of the names of the secretaries. It will then be open to hon. Members, party organisations and other bodies concerned to submit representations to the conference on matters falling within the terms of reference. Such representations should be sent to the secretaries at the Committee Office, House of Commons.
- 1. The franchise, particularly in relation to British subjects normally resident in the
561 United Kingdom but temporarily living abroad. - 2. Electoral registration, particularly—
- (a) the registration timetable, and the frequency of publishing the register;
- (b) multiple registration and the definition of "residence";
- (c) registration of Servicemen.
- 3. Minimum age for election.
- 4. Election expenses, other than candidates' expenses.
- 5. Conduct of elections, particularly—
- (a) candidates' descriptions;
- (b) problems relating to committee rooms;
- (c) absent voting;
- (d) polling hours;
- (e) marking of electoral numbers on ballot paper counterfoils.
- 6. The cost of election petitions.