§ LORD MANCROFTasked Her Majesty's Government:
What changes in the law would be required to enable candidates at Parliamentary and Local Government elections to indicate on the ballot paper to what political parties, if any, they belong.
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD DERWENT)Under the Parliamentary Elections Rules contained in Schedule 2 to the Representation of the People Act, 1949, the particulars of candidates to be contained in a ballot paper are as shown in the statement of persons nominated, and hence as shown in the nomination papers. Rule 7(3) of the Rules which deals with nomination papers, would require to be amended so as to omit the requirement that the description of a candidate shall not refer to his political activities. Legislation would be necessary in order to effect the amendment.
The Parliamentary Elections Rules apply in Scotland as well as in England 842WA and Wales, but different provisions govern local elections in the two countries In England and Wales, an amendment as indicated to Rule 7(3) of the Parliamentary Elections Rules would, by virtue of Rule 5(2) of the Local Elections Rules, apply automatically to county and borough council elections. The conduct of district and parish council elections is governed by separate sets of Rules made by my right honourable friend the Home Secretary under powers conferred by Section 29 of the 1949 Act: these include a similar requirement as to description and would need to be amended by amending Rules.
In Scotland there are separate provisions in the Scottish Local Elections Rules contained in Schedule 3 to the 1949 Act, notably in Rule 5 dealing with nomination papers. These cover local elections in Scotland of all classes; that is, elections to town, county and district councils. Legislation specifically amending these provisions in Schedule 3 to the Act would be necessary.
House adjourned at three minutes past nine o'clock.