HL Deb 26 June 2000 vol 614 cc59-60WA
Lord Greaves

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will introduce a marked register, open to inspection, of persons voting by post in elections. [HL2930]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

A register is marked at the time of issue of postal ballot papers to indicate all those to whom a postal ballot paper has been issued. A copy of register is also marked in the polling station to show those to whom a ballot paper has been issued in person.

These marked registers are available for public inspection. In addition, copies of the register showing those to whom postal ballot papers have been issued are sent to the candidates and agents contesting the election in question.

There are no plans to keep a record of which postal ballot papers have been returned.