§ 21. Mr. David Winnick (Walsall, North)What recent representations he has received about changes to the voting system for election to the House of Commons. [80972]
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Jack Straw)We have received a number of representations, both for and against changing the voting system for elections to the House of Commons.
§ Mr. WinnickIs my right hon. Friend aware that I do not have much enthusiasm for any change in the voting system for elections to the House? Is it not a fact that, in the recent referendum in Italy, those who bothered to vote—the majority of the electorate did not—voted overwhelmingly to bring back a system similar to the one that we use in Britain?
§ Mr. StrawThe turnout in the Italian referendum was 49.6 per cent. and of those—just under 50 per cent.—90 per cent. voted in favour of a change towards the first-pastthe-post system—which is a consideration to be borne in mind.
§ Mr. Michael Fabricant (Lichfield)Is the Home Secretary aware that Italy is not alone in this? Israel is also considering moving to a first-past-the-post system because proportional representation leads to weak and ineffective government.
§ Mr. StrawI am aware of some concerns in Israel about the system there. I have also noted that even the most evangelical supporters of proportional representation in this country have not gone as far as to recommend the Israeli system.