§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest estimate of the amount expended in the 1995 local elections in England and Wales on the provision of temporary ramps for access to polling stations; what assessment was made of the comparative cost and cost benefit of providing permanent ramps instead; and if he will make a statement. [24111]
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerThe provision of temporary ramps for use at local government elections is a matter for local authorities. No grants are made from central funds368W towards the cost of equipment purchased for local government elections, but returning officers may apply for grants towards the cost of temporary ramps to be used at polling places for parliamentary and European elections. Temporary ramps purchased for parliamentary and European elections under these arrangements can be made available for local government elections and for other purposes by arrangement with the returning officer.