HC Deb 07 May 1996 vol 277 cc77-8W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To 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. Sackville

There 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 indicate clearly whether they are applying to vote by post or by proxy, and all appointments of a proxy must be signed by the elector.