§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has assessed on the abuse of proxy votes; and if he will make a statement. [27862]
§ Mr. SackvilleThere is no recent evidence to suggest that abuse of the proxy voting system is either systematic or widespread. Application forms relating to absent votes were amended in 1994; electors now have to indicate78W clearly whether they are applying to vote by post or by proxy, and all appointments of a proxy must be signed by the elector.