§ Miss WiddecombeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what his policy is on Government activity during referendum campaigns. [121993]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Government have maintained, and will maintain, the usual rules on the activities of civil servants during referendum and election periods. In addition, the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill would prohibit the Government from publishing, displaying or distributing material in relation to a referendum in the 28 days immediately prior to the date of the poll. This proposal responds to the report of the Neill Committee and has been welcomed by the Committee.