Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2006

We share many of the concerns expressed by the noble Baroness, Lady Hanham. Like her, we have nothing to say on the review of the polling districts; that seems an entirely proper matter, and I do not wish to make any comments on it. As for the other matters, we believe that the provision made for service voters is inadequate. The Act itself does not go as far as it should, but stronger measures clearly could and should be taken to make it easier for service people—particularly those on duty outside the United Kingdom—to cast their votes, which they of course have absolutely as much right as anybody else to do. They should be provided with the best possible facilities. All that has been done is to extend the period from one year to three. Three years is inadequate; it is less than the normal gap between general elections. I would have thought that the original proposal for five could have been implemented at once. We remain concerned with that, and the battle must continue. On the main order—the Representation of the People (England and Wales) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations—we are broadly happy with everything except the provisions for verification of the personal identifiers. We feel that 20 per cent is much too low. We recognise that it may not be possible to bring in 100 per cent verification at once but, as elections happen and experience is gained, the regulations should have provided—even if they have to provide for 20 per cent initially—for a target date by which we should be able to get to 100 per cent verification of the personal identifiers. That would be an important step forward in what has been a serious problem in recent elections, particularly local elections. The measures taken so far are not strong enough. Otherwise, we are satisfied with the regulations and are grateful to the Minister for the care with which she has explained them.