HC Deb 30 June 1983 vol 44 cc103-4W
35. Mr. Hicks

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will introduce legislation to allow persons on holiday a postal vote for both parliamentary and local elections; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lawrence

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consideration he is giving to assisting holidaymakers to exercise their right to vote.

Mr. Mellor

We consider that it is wrong in principle that anybody who goes on holiday should be unable to vote. The Home Affairs Select Committee report on the Representation of the People Acts recommends that holidaymakers should be able to apply for postal votes. We are considering this recommendation.

Mr. Patrick McNair-Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the regulations governing eligibility for postal votes.

Mr. Mellor

The Home Affairs Select Committee's report on the Representation of the People Acts published in April recommends that the Home Office should review the existing criteria for eligibility for absent voting facilities. We are now considering this recommendation.