Question
To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what representations he has received from the Electoral Commission on the preparation time required between Royal Assent to the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act and the date of the referendum to be held on the alternative vote; and if he will place in the Library a copy of each item of correspondence on the matter.
Answer
The Electoral Commission wrote to the Minister for Political and Constitutional Reform on 11 January highlighting the key dates and milestones that must be met between Royal Assent and a polling day of 5 May in order for the Electoral Commission to successfully deliver its key responsibilities in relation to the referendum on the alternative vote. The Electoral Commission will be publishing this letter on their website and a copy will also be placed in the Library.