Written question asked by Marquess of Lothian (Conservative) on Monday, 12 January 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 January 1998. It was answered by Ron Davies (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 1998 on behalf of the Welsh Office.

Welsh Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, who gave the instructions for guidance to counting officers to be changed during the counting of the Welsh referendum votes; when this instruction was given; and what action was taken to ensure that the new guidance was followed.

Answer: Mr. Ancram: To ask the Secretary of State for Wales who gave the instructions for guidance to counting officers to be changed during the counting of the Welsh referendum votes; when this instruction was given; and what action was taken to ensure that the new guidance was followed. [23159] Mr. Ron Davies: The Chief Counting Officer decided to issue supplementary advice in response to the representations received from Denbighshire Counting Officer; this decision was made at approximately 11 pm on the night of 18 September. The advice was telephoned to Counting Officers. It was for them to decide what regard should be had to it, and it would not have been appropriate for officials to make further inquiries during the course of the counts as to how Counting Officers were exercising their discretion.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 23159; 304 c253W;304 c249W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Administration Devolution Elections Referendums Wales Ballot papers