§ Mr. Wareingasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend section 18 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, as amended by the Representation of the People Act 1985, so as to make it mandatory for district councils and London borough councils to designate only places which are accessible to disabled electors as polling booths; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggNo. Since 1 October 1985 councils of districts or London boroughs in England and Wales have been required, so far as is reasonable and practicable, to designate as polling places only such places as are accessible to the disabled. Moreover, a permanently disabled voter may apply in advance to vote by post or by a proxy. In these circumstances, an alternative course being available, we have no plans for further legislation on this subject.