§ Mr. William RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps have been or will be taken to ascertain the number of persons refused a ballot paper at(a) the local government elections in Northern Ireland on 17 May and (b) EEC election in June, on the grounds that they were not able to produce one of the documents set out as necessary for the proof of identity.
§ Mr. Ian Stewart[holding answer 15 May 1989]: None. I have no evidence to suggest that such steps are necessary. All electors should possess or can readily obtain free of charge at least one of the range of specified documents which are listed on the back of the poll card, and I am satisfied that the system is now well understood.