Clause 15
European Parliament (Representation) Bill
4:30 pm

Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome, Liberal Democrat)

I shall be brief. I wanted to make two inquiries of the Minister about the entitlement to be registered.

First, there does not appear to be any provision in the Bill—in other words, in primary legislation—to avoid dual registration in Gibraltar and an electoral region of the United Kingdom. I am not sure whether that is intentional or whether it will be covered by regulation at a later date.

Secondly, what is the position of royal naval personnel who may from time to time be stationed in Gibraltar, either alongside or in the port?

Ms Yvette Cooper (Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department; Pontefract and Castleford, Labour)

I am not in a position to give the hon. Gentleman detailed answers to his questions. I am happy to write to him and give him the answers. If he has further questions, clearly we can consider the matter again on Report.

Overall, the clause ensures that the conditions for entitlement to be registered on the Gibraltar register

are similar to those applicable in the United Kingdom and provide similar conditions for registering as an overseas elector for ex-residents of Gibraltar as apply to British citizens in respect of the United Kingdom.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 15 ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 16 ordered to stand part of the Bill.