§ Andrew MackinlayTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what measures he proposes to take to enable citizens of countries who will be admitted to European Union636W membership in April 2004 to be admitted to the franchise in time for local government and European elections in June 2004; and if he will make a statement. [132696]
§ Mr. LeslieThe local and European Parliamentary Elections (Registration of Citizens of Accession States) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1557) and the Representation of the People (Form of Canvass) (England and Wales) Regulations 2003 (SI 2003/1899) were introduced earlier this year in time for the annual electoral registration canvass, which permit citizens of States that are due to accede to the European Union next year who are resident in this country to register to vote in local government and European Parliamentary elections to be held on or after 1 May 2004.