Electoral Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1962 (Amendment) Order 2009

My Lords, I, too, thank the Minister for introducing these two orders. Regarding the first, although traditionally we on these Benches are sceptical about interfering with the usual practicalities that underpin the democratic process, in this case it is sensible to make an exception. It would be a waste of time, energy and resources to prepare a draft polling scheme for Northern Ireland before the review of boundaries for the 11 new local government districts has been finalised. Changes to boundaries could mean that previous arrangements are no longer suitable, or more appropriate polling stations could present themselves in a particular ward. We therefore support the first order. I have slightly more points to make about the second order. We very much welcome the increase, from one month to eight weeks, of the period in which representations on the provisional recommendations can be made. However, we are a little concerned that the proposal will give the DEAC a choice of whether to publish the provisional recommendations or simply to make them available for inspection. As we know, Northern Ireland is undertaking a radical reorganisation of local government, moving from 26 borough councils to 11. There will naturally be a great deal of interest from the general public in how current wards will be organised and which new local council area they will find themselves living in. Given that this is such a radical change, and not simply a small shift in boundaries, it is important for the people of Northern Ireland to be able to assess and have access to this information as easily as possible. Again, while we appreciate the costs involved in publishing the full provisional recommendations, we are concerned that simply making them available for inspection is not, by itself, sufficient. How will local people know that the recommendations are available for inspection? How will they know where and when to go to see them? It could be very difficult for some people in rural areas to travel to see the recommendations. Finally, can the Minister at the very least assure the Committee that, if the DEAC decides just to make the recommendations available for inspection and not to publish locally, notification will be given in local newspapers so that local people will know that the recommendations are available to be looked at, and where and when they can do so? Can the Minister also assure the Committee that everything possible will be done to ensure that the recommendations are easily accessible for local people?