§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how much he will spend in the lead-up to the European and local elections next year on promoting the use of postal and proxy votes by sick, disabled and absent voters; what arrangements are in place for this exercise; and if he will make a statement.
Lord James Douglas-Hamilton: Provision has been made in the planning of expenditure for 1994–95 to cover the cost of a publicity campaign in Scotland to inform electors who cannot vote in person at the 1994 European parliamentary elections of how they may apply for postal or proxy votes. The precise figure has still to be determined. Arrangements for the campaign have not yet been finalised but it is likely to involve advertising in the press.
In accordance with past practice, the Scottish Office intends to issue a news release to the national press drawing the public's attention to the need to apply early for absent voting facilities at the 1994 regional elections.