§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what approximate percentage of people eligible to vote are not currently registered to vote; and if such people will be able to register prior to(a) country and (b) European elections.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe most recent major study into the accuracy of the electoral register ("Electoral Registration in 1981", Office of Population Censuses and Surveys, 1982) estimated that 6.7 per cent of people in England and Wales eligible to vote were not registered to do so. Under section 11(2) of the Representation of the People Act 1983 (as amended) claims for inclusion in the published register can be made at any time. However, no such claim can have effect for the purposes of an election unless it is allowed, and the alteration made, before the close of nomination for candidates at that election. It is therefore now too late for such claims to have effect at either the county council or European parliamentary elections.