HC Deb 27 January 1999 vol 324 cc247-8W
Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the establishment of an independent electoral commission which would have responsibility for the provision of practical assistance to the elderly and those with disabilities in using polling stations. [67257]

Mr. George Howarth

As my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced during the debate on the Neill Committee report on the funding of political parties on 9 November 1998,Official Report, column 55, provision for the establishment of an independent Electoral Commission will be included in the draft Bill, to implement the main findings of the Neill report, to be published before the summer recess. The Government are currently giving careful consideration to the Neill Committee's detailed proposals with regard to the precise role and remit of the Electoral Commission.

Mr. Jim Cunningham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in improving access to polling stations for people with physical impairments. [67258]

Mr. George Howarth

Consolidated and enhanced guidance which includes advice on national access standards will be issued to all returning officers shortly. The Working Party on electoral procedures which I am chairing will continue to consider disability access to electoral services of all kinds.