§ Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to define the area of the premises of a building used as a polling station at a Parliamentary election over which the presiding officer exercises control or jurisdiction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe jurisdiction of a presiding officer is limited to the polling station. Although the boundaries of a polling station have never been statutorily defined, it is clear from the statutory provisions and decided cases that the area of a polling station is normally confined to a room, or part of a room, in a building, and does not extend to any other part of the building in which the room is situated. Whether further clarification is required is being considered in connection with the current review of electoral law.