§ 41. Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next intends to meet representatives of the electoral registration officers to discuss implementation of the scheme of postal votes for holidaymakers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have no plans to meet registration officers' representatives. The provisions of the Representation of the People Act 1985, and the Representation of the People Regulations 1986, which enable holidaymakers to apply for an absent vote, came into operation on 1 January this year in respect of elections on or after 16 February. There was full consultation with the bodies representing electoral registration officers on the content of the regulations, which include the prescribed requirements for absent voting applications from holidaymakers, before the regulations were laid before Parliament.