§ Mr. Pounderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the form of electoral franchise which will be used in the district council elections in Northern Ireland which are planned to be held in October.
§ Mr. ChannonThe electoral franchise for voting at the proposed 1972 elections to the new district councils in Northern Ireland will be in accordance with the Electoral Law Acts (Northern Ireland), 1962–71. This legislation provides that all persons over 18 years of age, who are included in the current Annual Register of Electors as being entitled to vote at Northern Ireland Parliamentary elections, are also entitled to vote at local government elections. My right hon. Friend is examining the possibility of proportional representation.