§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what arrangements are available to won en who have been the subject of domestic violence and do not wish to have their addresses given on electoral rolls. [178502]
§ Mr. LeslieAny elector may opt to have his or her name and address excluded from the edited version of the electoral register that is available for sale commercially. Electoral Registration Officers are required to include in736W the published full register all persons who they consider are eligible to be registered. Anonymous registration or the use of pseudonyms is not currently permitted, though electors may use alternative names (such as maiden or professional names) for registration purposes, provided they are names by which they are commonly known. The independent Electoral Commission in its May 2003 report 'The electoral registration process' recommended that an anonymous registration a genuine threat to their safety. The Government are currently considering this proposal together with the range of other recommendations made by the Electoral Commission relating to current electoral law and procedure.