§ Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (1) what studies he is undertaking into the turnouts for elections in different countries and the reasons behind the differences in turnouts; and if he will make a statement; [1694]
(2) what research he has commissioned into the low turnout in the recent general election; and if he will make a statement; [1693]
(3) what research he has (a) commissioned and (b) undertaken into the costs and benefits of introducing compulsory voting for elections in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [1695]
§ Dr. WhiteheadNo research has been commissioned or undertaken to investigate the costs and benefits of introducing compulsory voting nor into turnouts for elections in other countries. As to the low turnout in the recent general election, the Electoral Commission is undertaking a review of the conduct of that election. The Government will give careful consideration to the findings once the report is presented to Parliament.