London Government

HC Deb 05 May 1998 vol 311 cc547-9

3. Mr. Andrew Dismore (Hendon)

What action he plans to take to encourage Londoners to vote in the referendum on 7 May. [39505]

4. Ms Karen Buck (Regent's Park and Kensington, North)

If he will make a statement on his Department's role in publicising the arrangements for the London referendum. [39506]

The Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (Mr. John Prescott)

My Department has mounted an extensive public information campaign to ensure that the people of London are fully informed about our proposals for a mayor and assembly for London and to encourage them to vote yes or no on 7 May. This has included posters, radio and newspaper advertisements, a neutral leaflet through every letter box in the capital, an internet site and a telephone helpline, which to date has answered well over 10,000 calls.

Mr. Dismore

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is extremely important that as many people as possible vote on Thursday and that they vote yes for a London government committed to looking after London Transport, economic regeneration and the police and fire services in London? Does he also agree that the Conservatives' late support for the plan is a welcome, but tardy conversion to democracy throughout London?

Mr. Prescott

I agree, and hope that the people will vote yes in the referendum. I welcome the support of hon. Members on both sides of the House for the proposal. We want as many people as possible to vote. I shall not be churlish and criticise yet another U-turn by Conservative Members.

Ms Buck

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many black and ethnic minority Londoners feel that their situation has worsened considerably in the 12 years since the previous Londonwide authority was abolished? Will he congratulate Operation Black Vote on its work to encourage black Londoners to participate in the referendum on Thursday and send a message to black and ethnic minority Londoners that a mayor and an assembly would strengthen their representation citywide?

Mr. Prescott

It is important to congratulate those who have encouraged people, especially the ethnic minorities, to vote. We have produced a leaflet that summarises the proposals. Copies had been distributed to 3 million homes across the capital at the end of March. It has played its part, along with advertisements in newspapers and on radio stations. I hope that everyone will vote and that the referendum proposals are endorsed.

Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet)

Is the Deputy Prime Minister aware that in my extensive canvassing for the forthcoming London borough elections, few of my constituents have remarked on the referendum? The few who have greatly resent not being asked separate questions on whether they want a Greater London authority and separately elected mayor and the lumping together of those issues in one question, in spite of the warning given by Conservative Members. On reflection, does he think that he is listening to the people of London by putting the omnibus question?

Mr. Prescott

In my canvassing in London, I have found that Londoners welcome the opportunity to participate in the vote. They are being given a chance, by a Labour Government, at least to have a say in whether they should have local government, which was denied them when the previous Government abolished the Greater London council.

Mr. Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam)

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that we need a high turnout and a strong yes vote in the referendum on Thursday to give the new authority the clout to do its job? Will he accept that, by refusing a two-question referendum, the Labour party has stifled debate that would have guaranteed a high turnout? Labour will reap its reward, which will be a feeble result and an enfeebled authority.

Mr. Prescott

I do not accept that proposition. I hope that as many people as possible will vote in the referendum. In Wales, the turnout in the referendum for a Welsh assembly was 50 per cent., and in Scotland the turnout was 60 per cent. It behoves all of us to get across to as many people as possible, their democratic obligation to participate in the vote.

Mr. Richard Ottaway (Croydon, South)

A crucial issue in the referendum is the way in which the parties select their mayoral candidates. We know that the Conservatives are committed to one member, one vote. Can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is no truth in the rumour that the Government are trying to exclude the hon. Member for Brent, East (Mr. Livingstone), who is running as a candidate, and that paid-up members of the Labour party in London will have a free vote on who goes on the shortlist—yes or no?

Mr. Prescott

I do not know whether that question warrants a yes or no answer. When the people of London have decided on 7 May for the election of a mayor and an assembly, as I hope they will, we shall make the appropriate procedures, which is the proper way to select and elect candidates. The Tory choice of Lord Archer, the Tory answer to Dick Whittington, is not the one they are likely to turn to.