HC Deb 26 July 1984 vol 64 cc1219-20
1. Mr. Maclennan

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he proposes to take to prevent personation at the forthcoming local government elections; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Nicholas Scott)

The Government share the widespread public concern in Northern Ireland at the extent and nature of electoral abuse in recent elections there, and are considering what further measures, including those requiring a Bill, should be introduced before the local government elections in May 1985.

Mr. Maclennan

Those concerns were widespread before the European elections, and the Government did not move then. Will the Minister give an assurance that, if necessary, legislative action will be taken in time and that consultations with the constitutional parties will be extensive?

Mr. Scott

In fact, certain administrative action was taken before the European elections; but before considering legislative action it is right that careful consideration should be given to all the options. I hope that it will be possible to take that action in time to meet the date for the local government elections next year.

Mr. Porter

Is my hon. Friend satisfied that the fears expressed before the European elections were justified by what happened in the Province during those elections? Has the time come when a form of identification for voters should be made compulsory. not only in the Province, but in the United Kingdom as a whole?

Mr. Scott

Continued widespread abuse means that we must consider all the options to counter it. Otherwise, we are defrauding the voters of Northern Ireland.

Rev. Martin Smyth

Does the Minister acknowledge that it would be unacceptable if a form of identification at polling, such as stamping with invisible ink, were used in Northern Ireland and not elsewhere?

Mr. Scott

I cannot accept that. The situation in Northern Ireland is quite different from that which exists on this side of the water. In those circumstances, special measures may be necessary.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

No doubt there is a growing threat of impersonation in Northern Ireland, but to a large extent it also occurs in Leicester.

Mr. Speaker

Order. That is ingenious, but the question must relate to Northern Ireland.

Mr. Bruinvels

Will my hon. Friend consult his right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department on the difficulties experienced in other parts of the United Kingdom to ensure that there are no electoral disadvantages?

Mr. Scott

I am sure that my right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary will have his attention drawn to what my hon. Friend has said.