§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment in what circumstances citizens of the Republic of Ireland are eligible as candidates and members of local authorities in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. KingThe statutory provisions governing qualifications for election and holding office as a member of a local authority are contained in section 79 of the Local Government Act 1972. This gives citizens of the Republic of Ireland the same eligibility for membership of local authorities in England and Wales as British subjects. The position in Scotland and in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Northern Ireland respectively.