§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what plans the Royal Mail has to ensure(a) prompt delivery to electors and (b) the prompt return to the returning officer after posting by electors of postal votes for the forthcoming London and European elections in Hendon constituency; and if she will make a statement. [170193]
§ Nigel GriffithsRoyal Mail's plan for ensuring the prompt delivery and return of postal votes is an operational issue for the company. I understand that Royal Mail has developed a best practice guide on1730W postal voting, which is designed to be used by Royal Mail's local operational staff, contacts within local authorities and regional returning officer departments. This operational guide is based on the company's experience of previous postal voting pilots and was drawn up in close co-operation with the Electoral Commission and local authority associations.