§ 2. Dr. Edmund Marshallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will give guidance to local government returning officers to the effect that, whenever parish council and district council elections are held on the same day, the respective ballot papers are printed on paper of different colours.
The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Dr. Shirley Summer-skill)This procedure is already required by Rule 15(2)(e) of the Local Elections (Principal Areas) Rules 1973 and I am sure that returning officers are well aware of it.
§ Dr. MarshallI thank my hon. Friend for that informative answer. I assure 613 her that the procedure is not always observed. There may be reason for her to remind returning officers of this rule.
§ Dr. SummerskillInquiries have been made of the returning officers of the four district councils covered by my hon. Friend's constituency. All are aware of the provisions of Rule 15(2)(e) and intend to observe them.