HC Deb 10 April 2001 vol 366 cc558-9W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the holding of a borough by-election on the same day as the county council election and general election; and if he will make a statement. [157869]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

None. Under existing legislation there is nothing to prevent a borough by-election from being held on the same day where the polls for the ordinary elections for county councils and a general election are being taken together. In that event, discretion on whether or not that casual election should also be combined with the other elections rests with the returning officers concerned.