§ Ms Rosie WintertonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if electronic counting of votes will be used at the forthcoming election of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly on 4 May. [116695]
§ Mr. HillThe Greater London Returning Officer has informed me that following a successful trial on 22 February 2000, he intends to use electronic counting equipment to count the votes cast in the first election of the Mayor of London and the London Assembly on 4 May. He is satisfied that the system can deliver a speedy and accurate result and at the same time safeguard the probity and secrecy of the ballot.