§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what plans he has to publicise the extension of voting rights in European and local elections of EC nationals resident in this country once the Maastricht treaty has been ratified prior to the deadline for inclusion on electoral registers for voting in the European elections of 20 April 1994; and if he will make a statement;
574W(2) what was the outcome of his most recent meeting with electoral registration officers to discuss the arrangements for the extension of voting rights to EC nationals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy officials have had an informal discussion with some electoral registration officers on the practicalities of implementing the new voting rights provided by the Maastricht treaty. We shall bring forward legislative proposals to give effect to the new voting rights once the Maastricht treaty has been ratified in all the member states. We shall take steps to publicise the new voting rights at that time.