HC Deb 13 February 1985 vol 73 c416
Mr. Bermingham

I beg to move amendment No. 79, in page 15, line 34, leave out offence and insert illegal practice".

The Second Deputy Chairman

With this it will be convenient to take amendment No. 80, in page 15, leave out lines 36 and 37 and add guilty of an illegal practice".

Mr. Bermingham

I suggest that we do not discuss amendment No. 80 because a penal sanction must be made under clause 11.

Amendment No. 79 would bring matters into line with other provisions of the Bill.

Mr. Mellor

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for his brevity. I am happy to tell him that anybody who makes a false declaration in order to become an overseas voter will commit an offence under section 61 of the Representation of the People Act 1983. Section 61 offences are punishable as illegal practices and the penalties would include disqualification from voting. I think that the hon. Gentleman already has what he seeks.

Mr. Bermingham

I beg to ask leave to withdraw amendment No. 79.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Dr. Marek

I hope that, when postal votes are checked at a count, the returning officer will be able to compare the signature on the postal vote with the original signature on the application form.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 11 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Forward to