§ Mr. Beithasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why he proposes that elections to the proposed Northern Ireland Assembly should be by proportional representation; and why he has chosen the single transferable vote system.
§ Mr. Humphrey AtkinsIn the light of the consultations which took place following publication of the conference working paper, I believe that this method of election is widely accepted throughout Northern Ireland. It is well-established and familiar to the electorate and is particularly appropriate given the special political considerations that apply in the Province.