§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider making arrangements for those admitted to hospital at short notice, who are registered on the appropriate electoral rolls, but do not have sufficient notice of their admission to vote by post, proxy or in person, to vote; what representations he has received about hospital patients being disfranchised; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggI refer the hon. Member to the reply given to a question from the hon. Member for Derby, North (Mr. Knight) on 21 June 1989 at column131. Amendment of the regulations about absent voting so as to cover those unexpectedly admitted to hospital is one of the options that we are considering for easing the application procedures.