Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill

Debate between Chris Ruane and Lord Barwell

Tuesday 19th October 2010 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Barwell]

I take your point, Mr Bayley, but some of the amendments in the group are also about the need for speed and whether the proposals in the Bill should take effect by October 2013. The point that I was trying to make in an earlier intervention is that the average size of Labour seats is significantly smaller than those of Conservative Members. That is an unfairness and it is important to correct it, but I shall take your advice and come on to the issue of registration.

[Chris Ruane]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

[Gavin Barwell]

I am nervous about being drawn back into what I have just been told to move off, but I will give way briefly.

[Chris Ruane]

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the information I have received from research by the Library shows that of the top 100 seats with the most number of unregistered people, 96 are Labour seats? Should it not be borne in mind, when he is pointing out unfairness this way and that way, that those unregistered people are in Labour seats?

--- Later in debate ---

[Gavin Barwell]

I take that point, but my response would be that, rather than using figures that are guesstimates, we should use the actual electorate figures. We should also, however, take action across the country to replicate the work of the best local authorities to drive up representation.

[Chris Ruane]

rose—