HL Deb 01 July 2002 vol 637 c18WA
Lord Lipsey

asked the Leader of the House:

Who in the House of Lords is responsible for answering Questions on the Electoral Commission. [HL4841]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Accountability arrangements for the Electoral Commission are governed by the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000.Section 1 of the Act sets up the Electoral Commission as a statutory body independent of government. As such, the Act makes no provision for ministerial accountability. However, Section 2 of the Act establishes a Speaker's Committee with powers to approve the commission's five-year plan and estimates. Schedule 2 to the Act makes provision for the Speaker's Committee to report to the House of Commons. The Act makes no corresponding provision requiring any report to be made to this House either by a Minister or by the Speaker's Committee.