§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to make an order under section 2 of the Representation of the People Act 1990 to give effect to the provisions of that Act; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. RumboldWe propose to make a commencement order early in the next Session of Parliament in order to bring the Representation of the People Act 1990 into force. In order for the Act to take effect, it will also be necessary to make some minor amendments to the Representation of the People Regulations 1986 and the European Parliamentary Elections Regulations 1986 and to make an Order in Council in respect of local elections in Northern Ireland. That will be done as soon as is practicable.