HC Deb 04 April 1979 vol 965 c753W
Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assistance he is providing to guide returning officers for the European elections with regard to the scrutiny of candidates' election expenses, in the light of the uncertainty surrounding the question of when a candidate must be deemed in law to have commenced his campaign; and if he will place a copy of any memorandum incorporating this information in the Library.

Mr. John

It is no part of the responsibilities of a returning officer to scrutinise candidates' election expenses.

Force Strength Recruitment Wastage
28 February 28 February
1978 1979 1978 1978
Lancashire 3,042 3,096 192 143
Merseyside 4,239 4,389 340 292
Greater Manchester 6,300 6,397 501 477
Cheshire 1,727 1,766 171 144
Cumbria 1,005 1,038 106 74