§ 7. Mr. Rifkindasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has had asking him to introduce proposals to improve the law in relation to postal voting.
§ Dr. SummerskillWe have received representations about extending the entitlement to further categories of electors; applying the facility to local government elections; and possible improvements in the arrangements for the dissemination, delivery and recording of application forms and ballot papers.
§ Mr. RifkindWill the hon. Lady acknowledge that there is increasing frustration amongst many thousands of British people who are able to have only one holiday a year—often at a time not of their choosing—and who are denied their democratic rights? Will she urgently reconsider the present unjust and illogical rules, which prevent such people indulging in postal voting at an election which is not called at the time of their choosing and over which they have little control?
§ Dr. SummerskillThe problems of those unable to vote because they are away on holiday must be weighed against the increased risk of abuse inherent in any extension of postal voting. It would be very difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish between bona fide holiday makers and those who claimed to be such. It would be a very hard administrative problem to check on it.