§ 23. Joan Walley (Stoke-on-Trent North) (Lab)If he will make a statement on the joint report of the Electoral Commission and the Hansard Society entitled "An Audit of Political Engagement". [166165]
§ Mr. Peter Viggers (Gosport) (Con)I understand from the chairman that the report was designed to promote discussion and debate about political engagement in the United Kingdom. The audit uses 16 indicators of engagement based on a survey of the public by MORI. A copy of the report has been sent to all Members of Parliament, and copies have been placed in the Library.
§ Ms WalleyGiven that 5 million fewer people voted in the 2001 general election than in the 1997 election, and given the widespread concern in the House about voter turnout, what more can the Electoral Commission do to make sure that politics matters to all age groups, including 18-year-olds and perhaps even younger people?
§ Mr. ViggersThe purpose of the audit is to take a snapshot of public engagement in politics in the United Kingdom. The first audit is intended to act as a baseline against which future trends in political engagement can be measured annually. The aim is to help to inform everyone working to tackle the problem of political disengagement. The audit was developed with a practical application in mind so that we can facilitate action by individuals and institutions involved in politics.