Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill — Education about electoral and democratic systems — 13 Mar 2000
(2) In subsection (3) of section 1 (Extension of parliamentary franchise) leave out paragraph (c) and after paragraph (d) insert the words "and
(dd) he makes a declaration under and in accordance with section 2 of this Act within five years ceasing to be resident in the United Kingdom and he continues to register in each succeeding year.".
(3) For subsection (4)(a) of section 1 (Extension of parliamentary franchise) substitute--
"(a) he makes a declaration under and in accordance with section 2 of this Act within five years of ceasing to be resident in the United Kingdom and he continues to register in each succeeding year,".'.-- [Mr. Linton.]
Brought up, and read the First time.
I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.
Mr. Deputy Speaker:
With this, it will be convenient to discuss the following: new clause 6-- Annual registration for overseas voters: peers --
of which the United Kingdom is a member . . .
any organisation set up pursuant to any treaty or convention of which the United Kingdom is for the time being a signatory.
Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.
such time as the commission may determine.
The commission's powers are very wide indeed. Paragraph 2 of the schedule provides that the commission
may do anything (except borrow money) which is calculated to facilitate, or is incidental or conducive to, the carrying out of any of their functions.
subject to and in accordance with any directions given to him by the Secretary of State.
incur expenditure and do other things in the name and on behalf of the Commission
Amendment agreed to.
Amendment made: No. 85, in page 102, line 5, at end insert--
I beg to move amendment No. 3, in page 2, line 6, at end insert--
'the Speaker of the House of Commons, who shall be the chairman of the Committee, and the following other members, namely'.
Amendment agreed to.
Amendment made: No. 4, in page 2, line 14, leave out "six" and insert "five".-- [Mr. Tipping.]
Amendment made: No. 5, in page 2, line 36, leave out--
'chairman of the Speaker's Committee'
and insert--
'Speaker of the House of Commons'.-- [Mr. Tipping.]
Amendment made: No. 6, in page 4, line 21, at end insert--
'(4A) Each report made by the Commission under this section shall be published by them in such manner as they may determine.'.-- [Mr. Tipping.]
Amendment made: No. 7, in page 5, line 7, at end insert--
'(i) an order under section 17A(3) of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 (free delivery of election addresses at elections to the Greater London Authority).'.-- [Mr. Tipping.]
I beg to move amendment No. 8, in page 6, line 45, leave out from "broadcasts," to end of line 5 on page 7.
Mr. Deputy Speaker:
With this it will be convenient to discuss Government amendment No. 109.
Amendment agreed to.
I beg to move amendment No. 9, in page 8, leave out lines 12 and 13 and insert--
'(a) current electoral systems in the United Kingdom and any pending such systems, together with such matters connected with any such existing or pending systems as the Commission may determine;
(b) current systems of local government and national government in the United Kingdom and any pending such systems; and'.
these measures are designed to be an effective channel of communication and dialogue between the people of the European Union and the Community Institutions. They take account of specific national and regional characteristics, in close co-operation with the Member State authorities.
It would be injurious to the perceived neutrality of such a body--
if it were seen to adopt a position on the question of alternative voting systems.
It is important that the scope of the commission's voter education role should extend to explaining the institutions of the European Union to voters.--[ Official Report , 14 February 2000; Vol. 344, c. 712.]
The Commission shall promote public awareness of . . . the institutions of the European Union.
it would be outside the powers of the commission to make a grant to an organisation to enable it to promote alternative voting systems.--[ Official Report , 14 February 2000; Vol. 344, c. 712.]
The Government amendments do not achieve that, so I hope that the Minister will accept amendment No. 159 to close the loophole.
Amendment agreed to.
Amendment proposed: No. 157, in page 8, leave out line 14.-- [Sir George Young.]
Question put, That the amendment be made:--
The House divided: Ayes 110, Noes 308.
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