HC Deb 15 March 1994 vol 239 cc665-6W
Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what funds are being made available to electoral registration officers in each of the nine regions and three island authorities to publicise information to EU citizens from outwith the British Isles on voter registration; and in which of the official languages of the European Union versions will be provided.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 14 March 1994]: No additional funds are to be made available to electoral registration officers for this exercise. An information sheet printed in English has been issued to electoral registration officers, to political parties in Scotland, to consular offices of member states in Scotland, to the French, Danish and Italian Institutes and to citizens advice local offices.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will lay before Parliament an order to extend the period to allow late registration to vote by EU citizens from outwith the British Isles.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 14 March 1994]: My right hon. Friend has no plans to do so.

Mr. Welsh

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for publicising the procedure, and deadline of 29 March, to allow EU citizens from outwith the British Isles to register to vote; what Scottish newspapers will carry such advertisements; in how many languages; and how often.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

[holding answer 14 March 1994]: My right hon. Friend has no plans for newspaper advertising.

My noble and learned Friend the Minister of State has issued a statement encouraging European Union citizens resident in Scotland to register to vote at the European parliamentary elections in June 1994 and has emphasised the need for them to act quickly.

In addition, the Scottish Office Home and Health Department has sent information sheets in the English language to electoral registration officers, political parties in Scotland, consular offices of other member states in Scotland, citizens advice local offices and to specialist bodies such as the French, Danish and Italian Institutes. A notice has been placed in the Edinburgh Gazette.