HC Deb 15 March 2001 vol 364 c696W
Mr. Peter Bottomley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to allow overseas observers to be present in election polling stations. [153464]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Government have no plans to allow overseas observers inside election polling stations. Current legislation restricts who is allowed to be present in polling stations to prevent possible intimidation of voters and preserve the secrecy of the ballot. The hon. Member recently wrote to my right hon. Friends the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary about this matter and I shall shortly be replying to him in detail.