HC Deb 14 July 1983 vol 45 cc996-7
2. Mr. Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will present early legislation to the House, in advance of the election to the European assembly, to allow postal votes in that election for persons intending to be on holiday on polling day.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. David Mellor)

My right hon. and learned Friend is actively considering the question of legislation on this matter, but it is doubtful whether such legislation could be introduced in time for the European Parliament elections next year.

Mr. Latham

As there is a clear date for the election, is my hon. Friend aware that some of us would regard the Government's decision on this as showing whether they seriously intend to respond to the wishes of the House or to kick the matter into touch for another five years?

Mr. Mellor

My right hon. and learned Friend made the Government's position clear in the debate on the Queen's Speech when he said that it was wrong in principle that people on holiday should be unable to vote. As he will make clear in answering subsequent questions about the report of the Select Committee on Home Affairs, we believe that this cannot be dealt with piecemeal but must be taken together with the other reforms suggested The Government's response will be published in due course.

Mr. Beith

Do the Government intend that the European election should be fought not just on an inadequate system but on boundaries made out of date by the recent Westminster boundary changes?

Mr. Mellor

The Boundary Commission can only work at a certain pace and those who object to what it recommends must enjoy their right to have those objections heard. The hon. Gentleman can do the arithmetic as well as I can and must know how short tame is. He will arrive at the same conclusion as I did—that it will be extremely difficult for any change to be effected before the date fixed for those elections.

Sir Michael Shaw

Will my hon. Friend assure us that, in carrying out the review, he will not overlook the right of British citizens who live in Europe to vote at the European elections?

Mr. Mellor

I am happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance.