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Proceeding contribution from Lord Harper (Conservative) in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 12 October 2010. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee of the Whole House (HC) on Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill.


Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

I think that my hon. Friend is anticipating the referendum campaign. Tempted though I am, he would not expect Ministers to be drawn into a debate about the merits of different electoral systems at the Dispatch Box. That will take place when we have the referendum. However, he made a good point about the need to engage in a good debate about the issue. The Electoral Commission did say in its research findings that some members of the public had trouble with language when it came to the use of the words ““Parliament”” and ““House of Commons””. Thinking back to the previous debate and the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Grantham and Stamford (Nick Boles), we in this House should consider members of the public who do not take an enormous interest in, or spend a great deal of time on, these issues, important though we think they are. We need to make sure we address those people, and not just ourselves. It is very important that the referendum question should be clear and simple to understand. The Government welcome the commission's helpful report. I have read it carefully and, based on the evidence that the commission presented, we have decided to accept its redrafted question.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
516 c286-7 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Constituency size Alternative vote Costs Elections Electoral Commission General elections Local government Northern Ireland Northern Ireland Assembly Members National Assembly for Wales Referendums Scotland Voting methods Reform Wales Scottish Parliament Single transferable vote Simple majority electoral systems
Legislation
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk