Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Ryder of Wensum (Conservative). It was answered on Wednesday, 11 May 2011.

Electoral System: Alternative Vote Referendum

Question: My Lords, does not my noble friend miss the point? He was asked specifically about the conflict of interest, not misconduct. Can he now address the question that the noble Lord, Lord McAvoy, asked about conflict of interest?

Answer: My Lords, I do not believe that there is a conflict of interest. It is a separate organisation. The Electoral Reform Society has over many years had a reputation for integrity, which has resulted in it being used by trade unions, non-governmental organisations and a wide range of other bodies, including the House of Lords, and it is pretty cheap to try to make this linkage. We have machinery that the party opposite put in place. Let us see what the electoral body says in its report and we will then look into the matter further. However, I do not believe that there is a conflict of interest and I have great confidence in the integrity of the Electoral Reform Society and its separate subsidiaries.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 727 c893
Session: 2010-12
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Alternative vote Absent voting General elections Glasgow Referendums Electoral Reform Society Electoral Reform Services
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk