HL Deb 04 March 1998 vol 586 cc161-2WA
Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will inform Parliament of the result of Phyllis Bowman v. The United Kingdom and the rights of citizens to publish and inform about the voting record or voting intentions of Parliamentary candidates on any given issue. [HL770]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government are currently studying the decision and have no plans to make any announcement at present.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have any plans to amend the Representation of the People Act 1983 to comply with the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights in Phyllis Bowman v. The United Kingdom. [HL767]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government are studying this decision carefully. Before taking action we will wish to consider the recommendations of the Neill Committee on Standards in Public Life when it completes its review of political party funding and candidates' expenditure.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will pay compensation to Mrs. Phyllis Bowman for any psychological damage caused by having a criminal record and having been found guilty of "corrupt practice" and fined on two previous occasions under the Representation of People Act 1983. [HL769]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Government have no plans to do so. The European Court of Human Rights, in reaching its decision, dismissed Mrs. Bowman's claim for damages.