HL Deb 21 October 1997 vol 582 c206WA
Lord Campbell of Croy

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will introduce legislation to regulate procedure for holding referendums in the United Kingdom, in order to promote fairness and confidence in them, before the future referendums which they have already announced.

Lord Williams of Mostyn

No. The Government believe that it is right that Parliament should determine in relation to each referendum the key details, such as the question and the franchise, and that the referendum itself should be conducted by experienced electoral staff. The recent referendums in Scotland and Wales commanded public confidence and their conduct was seen to be fair.