§ Mr. FallonTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will estimate the proportion and number of Service personnel on the electoral register who do not exercise their vote. [3201]
§ Mr. SpellarMy Department does not keep records of those Service personnel who exercise their rights to vote. This is a private matter for the individual. However, it is possible to ascertain the percentage of Service personnel who are registered to vote. As at 1 April 1997, 72.5 per cent. of Service personnel were so registered. Comprehensive measures are taken by the Services to ensure that all personnel are given the necessary information to enable them to register as Service voters.