Political Parties and Elections Bill

I am pleased that somebody reminded us earlier that we are all experts in this room, and therefore almost everybody has an interest to declare. My own political career has not been particularly illustrious, but I recall that, almost by accident, I was treasurer of Bracknell Labour Party—a Herculean task. I move this amendment because, in the judgment of the Minister, it is short, non-controversial and will be quickly and consensually agreed to. I trust that his judgment will be proved right. Amendment 7 seeks to narrow paragraph 2(1) of new Schedule 19B to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act, which sets out organisations and individuals to whom the commission's powers of entry and inspection will apply. Under the current provisions, the powers of entry and inspection apply to registered parties, a recognised third party, a permitted participant, a members’ association and an organisation or individual formerly falling within these categories. Having noted the serious concern expressed in the other place, we are keen to ensure that the powers of entry in the Bill are justified and extend only to categories where there is a clear rationale for them. The amendment would prevent the commission from entering the premises of those formerly falling within the categories of organisations or individuals supervised by the commission. This would mean that the commission would not be able to enter the premises of former parties, former third parties, former permitted participants and former members’ associations. Preventing the commission from doing so is consistent with the commission’s current power of entry for these purposes, as contained in Section 146 of PPERA, which does not encompass such bodies or individuals. The commission has confirmed that it is content that this amendment will not adversely affect its supervisory role. We believe that this is a sensible safeguard to ensure that the commission’s reach is reasonable when it comes to routine supervisory activity. The commission’s ability to require co-operation from anyone in connection with an investigation into a suspected breach of the Act remains unchanged. I beg to move.