Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 3 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 December 2003. It was answered by Lord Spellar (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 2003 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 in combating electoral fraud in Northern Ireland.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 in combating electoral fraud in Northern Ireland. [142692] Mr. Spellar: We are satisfied that the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 has proved to be successful in combating electoral fraud and has improved public confidence in the electoral process. Furthermore I am also pleased to see that a report, published by the Electoral Commission on 9 December, concludes that the register more accurately reflects those entitled to be registered than the previous register. However, we also recognise that work still needs to be done to ensure that all those entitled to have the opportunity to register. We will continue to work closely with the Electoral Office and the Electoral Commission to ensure this happens.

Secondary information