Clause 21 - Electoral commission exercise of functions
Regional Assemblies (Preparations) Bill
6:00 pm
Mr Christopher Leslie (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office; Shipley, Labour)
It is a delight to have the opportunity to speak on this amendment, especially as the hon. Member for Runnymede and Weybridge has said that the clause is good and useful, which is further than he has gone on earlier clauses. Clause 21(c) requires the Electoral Commission to have regard to guidance issued by the Government when preparing and submitting its advice on electoral areas and the total number of assembly members for the elected regional assemblies. It is entirely proper that it should.
I assure the hon. Gentleman, who is worried about the guidance being overriding, that it will not be. It is not only contingent on the Electoral Commission to have regard to the guidance; the guidance will have to be consistent with paragraphs (a) and (b). I am advised that it would be unlawful if it were not consistent with those paragraphs.