HC Deb 07 February 1991 vol 185 cc234-5W
16. Mr. Dunn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give details of the timetable for the next review of boundaries for Parliamentary constituencies in the United Kingdom.

Mrs. Angela Rumbold

There are four separate and independent boundary commissions, one for each part of the United Kingdom. The next general review of constituencies in England is expected to start in 1991. The commission for Wales has not yet decided when it will commence its review, but both commissions will report within the statutory time scale. I understand that the position is similar in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the level of preparations made by the Parliamentary Boundary Commission for the review of parliamentary boundaries in England following publication of the electoral register for 1991.

Mrs. Rumbold

I am advised by the commission that its preparations for the next general review are well advanced. These preparations have included a policy review of their procedures and an investigation into the increasing use of information technology to support its work. A booklet that explains the commission's work, and which will be available to the public, is in the final stages of preparation.