HC Deb 30 January 2001 vol 362 cc134-5W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he has taken to ensure that the local council elections in Northern Ireland are able to take place on 16 May. [148032]

Mr. George Howarth

There is a statutory requirement, as set down in my answer of 25 January 2001,Official Report, column 679W, for local council elections to take place in Northern Ireland on 16 May.

Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has requested(a) the chief executive of any district council in Northern Ireland and (b) the Chief Electoral Officer of Northern Ireland to make provision for local elections to be held on 16 May. [148033]

Mr. George Howarth

I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 25 January 2001,Official Report, column 679W, which set down the statutory provision for the timing of local government elections in Northern Ireland. It is the responsibility of the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland to set in hand provisions to meet those statutory requirements.