Written question asked by Baroness McIntosh of Pickering (Conservative) on Monday, 1 June 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 1998. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if he will comment on the procedures which will apply when vacancies for UK MEPs occur.

Answer: Miss McIntosh: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the procedures which will apply when vacancies for UK MEPs occur. [44194] Mr. George Howarth: Our intention is that where a vacancy arises from the death or resignation of an MEP who was a candidate on a party list, the vacancy will be filled by the next eligible and willing candidate on that list, provided that the party concerned is still content to be represented by that person. Where a party list has been exhausted or where the person whose death or resignation has caused the vacancy stood as an independent candidate, a by-election will be held. If a vacancy occurs in Northern Ireland it will, as now, be filled by means of a by-election.

Secondary information