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Electoral Administration Bill

My Lords, in Grand Committee, my noble friend Lord Rennard and I tabled a number of amendments that arose out of suggestions made by the Disability Rights Commission, which was not satisfied that the existing procedure dealt adequately with the problems of a number of people with different kinds of disabilities. I accept that our amendments put forward in Grand Committee were, in some respects, not wholly satisfactory. Therefore, we were very content that the matter should be dealt with by parliamentary counsel, who came up with improved versions, which dealt with some of the problems that our original amendments would have created. We understand that these amendments have been negotiated and discussed with the Disability Rights Commission, which is satisfied with them. Since it was always or intention to help the Disability Rights Commission in this matter, we are entirely happy to approve amendments that have also been approved by that commission. We therefore welcome these amendments fully and look forward to their inclusion on the face of the Bill. On Question, amendment agreed to.