§ 6. Shona McIsaac (Cleethorpes)What steps are being taken in Northern Ireland to combat electoral fraud. [36894]
§ The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Adam Ingram)On 31 July 1997, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State established a review of electoral procedures in Northern Ireland. That review is due to report this summer, and will take into account the Northern Ireland forum and Northern Ireland Select Committee recommendations. Northern Ireland officials and the chief electoral officer for Northern Ireland are also participating in the Home Secretary's working party on electoral procedures.
§ Shona McIsaacI thank my hon. Friend for that reply. As there may be a referendum in Northern Ireland as well 343 as European elections, will he estimate when the changes—specifically those mentioned in the Northern Ireland Select Committee report on electoral malpractice—will be implemented?
§ Mr. IngramThat raises an important issue, not only because of the referendum, but because of future elections, as my hon. Friend said. The issues are fairly complex, which is why the review is taking place. It would be wrong for me to give a precise timetable, other than to say that we are urgently considering such matters as the way in which the electoral returning officer would process applications for absent voters. That is one of the Select Committee's concerns that we are addressing immediately.
§ Mr. Clifford Forsythe (South Antrim)The Minister will be aware how important these matters will be in future, perhaps in the near future. Is he aware that 88 per cent. of those on the electoral list are registered with the car registry for driving licences in Coleraine? If that is taken into account, it could ease the time scale for voting. Will the Minister take that into account, in considering identification, for instance?
§ Mr. IngramAs I have said, we are considering, by way of review, the entire procedure. We are taking into account the recommendations from the Northern Ireland Forum and the Select Committee on Northern Ireland Affairs. Specific recommendations and assessments of ways in which this matter can best be handled will always be taken on board. I shall pass on the hon. Gentleman's observation to my hon. Friend the Minister of State with responsibilities for political development, who has direct responsibility for dealing with this matter.