Elections: Voting Systems Debate

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Department: Ministry of Justice

Elections: Voting Systems

Lord Grenfell Excerpts
Tuesday 5th October 2010

(14 years, 2 months ago)

Lords Chamber
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Lord McNally Portrait Lord McNally
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I agree with my noble friend. Information and understanding will be paramount in getting the right decision. That is why we intend to follow the precedent of the Euro campaign of nearly 40 years ago in that two sides will have the funding and the ability to put their case to the British people.

Lord Grenfell Portrait Lord Grenfell
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Will the Minister give us an assurance to allay our fears, in light of what has recently been said by the Electoral Commission, as I understand it, that this House will be given the time to debate the Bill on the May referendum? It appears that if there is to be a referendum in May there will be a shortage of time in which to have a proper debate and to make amendments. I have heard that this House might be denied the possibility of being able to amend because of the shortage of time.

Lord McNally Portrait Lord McNally
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I would consider that view unthinkable. This House will have the time and will have a very full debate, as I will probably find to my cost.