Local Elections (Principal Areas) Rules 1973

HC Deb 30 June 1982 vol 26 cc308-9W

Mr. Alton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if any provision is made for sanctions to be applicable if the Local Elections (Principal Areas) Rules 1973 are infringed; and where details of such sanctions may be obtained.

Mr. Mayhew

The Local Elections (Principal Areas) Rules 1973 govern the conduct of district, London borough and county council—including GLC—elections in England and Wales. The conduct of an election is a matter for the returning officer. Section 51(1) of the Representation of the People Act 1949, as amended, provides inter alia that if the returning officer at a local government election is, without reasonable cause, guilty of any act or omission in breach of his official duty he shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds. An election may also be questioned through an election petition under part III of the Act.