That is a question to take on board, and we must ensure that when we produce those orders they seek to answer it. No doubt that question will be posed again if the upcoming proposals do not clarify that to a greater degree.
On the question that my noble friend Lord Foulkes asked about deception on ballot papers, I make the point that in responding to the consultation on this order, all the political parties have essentially put their name to it—I say that; actually, I do not think that the Liberal Democrats have responded, but all other parties did—so they are signing up, as I see it, to what we are seeking to do. One can but trust in the veracity and honesty of political parties. I have noticed, both in the noble Duke’s contribution and in the earlier contribution from my noble friend, that sometimes confession is good for the soul. After confessing that we did not get it right in 2007, we hope to be in a position to get it much closer to being right—or 100 per cent right if we can—in 2011.
Sloganising was also mentioned. In fact, under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendum Act 2000, which sets out how the Electoral Commission should determine what descriptions can be registered, the commission will receive ballot papers and designs before any future election. We hope that those proposals will be provided in the near future.
If there are any further questions or if I have missed any points, I will happily respond to noble Lords in writing.
Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Amendment) Order 2009
Proceeding contribution from
Lord Brett
(Labour)
in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 8 July 2009.
It occurred during Debates on delegated legislation on Scottish Parliament (Elections etc.) (Amendment) Order 2009.
About this proceeding contribution
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712 c211-2GC Session
2008-09Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand CommitteeLibrarians' tools
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