HC Deb 15 July 1997 vol 298 cc98-9W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 9 July,Official Report, column 469, on blind and partially sighted voters, what plans he has to hold further meetings with the (a) Royal National Institute for the Blind and (b) other organisations representing blind and partially sighted people to discuss proposals to help blind and partially sighted voters to vote in person. [8573]

Mr. George Howarth

No further meetings have yet been scheduled, but my officials are always ready to meet the Royal National Institute for the Blind or any other organisation representing blind and partially sighted people to consider proposals to help them to vote in person.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his Department will undertake research to test the practical timetabling implications of Braille templates and large print ballot papers. [8574]

Mr. Howarth

This Department is ready to discuss any proposals from organisations representing blind and partially sighted voters and to consider the practical and timetabling implications for the use of braille and large print templates. As to large print ballot papers, I would refer the hon. Member to my reply of 9 July,Official Report, column 469.