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Speakers Committee on the Electoral Commission

Answer

Kate Hoey: To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission whether it is the Commission's assessment that it has adequate powers to prevent illegal donations or spending connected with the referendum on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe during (a) the regulated period and (b) the referendum period. [224684] Mr. Viggers: Although by virtue of section 145 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 (PPERA), the Electoral Commission has the general function of monitoring compliance with the restrictions and other requirements imposed by or by virtue of Part VII of PPERA in relation to referendums to which the Act applies, this does not give the Commission power to intervene to prevent either donations or spending in connection with such referendums, including any referendum on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. However, the Commission informs me that it has in operation robust processes and procedures to undertake investigations into alleged breaches of the regulatory requirements of PPERA, including those relating to referendums.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

432 c1371W;432 c1367W; 224684

Session

2004-05

Subjects

Constitutions Campaigns Finance Expenditure Electoral Commission European Union European Constitution Treaty Powers Referendums Monitoring Regulation

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk