Border Poll

HC Deb 07 March 1973 vol 852 cc169-70W

Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will permit hon. Members, representing Northern Ireland constituencies, to tour the polling stations in their constituencies on 8th March 1973.

Mr. Peter Mills

My right hon. Friend wrote on 27th February to all hon. Members representing Northern Ireland constituencies at Westminster, explaining the arrangements under which they will be able to visit polling stations in their constituencies on 8th March.

Mr. Hayhoe

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what progress has been made on the proposed research project on the border poll.

Mr. David Howell

Professor Lawrence has informed my right hon. Friend with regret that, owing to difficulties in engaging a sufficiently numerous or adequately representative team, he considers that it would be inadvisable to continue with that part of the project which requires the use of observers. However, he is willing to undertake the preparation of a retrospective report of a mainly descriptive and analytical nature. My right hon. Friend has told him that he would welcome this. Details are now being worked out.