§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of persons arrested in Northern Ireland during the election for personation; and how many have been charged.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of complaints made against the procedures of presiding officers during the general election; and what action has been taken in these cases.
§ Mr. PriorThe chief electoral officer informs me that there were only a few complaints about the way in which presiding officers carried out the procedures prescribed by law. These were dealt with on the spot by deputy returning officers during polling day. I am, however, considering the effectiveness of the existing procedures in preventing abuse.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the number of Irish tricolours removed by the Royal Ulster Constabulary during the general election; and what action has been taken in these cases.
§ Mr. PriorIn the three weeks prior to the general election, tricolours were removed at the request of the police in 11 incidents and in a further 34 incidents, the police either seized or removed tricolours to prevent a breach of the peace. No further action is to be taken.