§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will list the reasons why the sale of the electoral register is allowed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Representation of the People (Scotland) Regulations 1986 provide for the publication and supply of the electoral register, including the sale of copies at a prescribed fee. These provisions reflect the fact that the electoral register is a public document which requires to be widely circulated for electoral purposes; and the conclusion that its use by commercial organisations could not effectively be prevented, but that a charge for such use should be made.