Schedule 1
Northern Ireland (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill
4:15 pm
David Hanson (Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office; Delyn, Labour)
I do not have to hand an estimate of the potential cost, but let me put it into context. The Electoral Commission is already undertaking that role for parliamentary constituencies and for parties in Scotland, England and Wales. We are adding to its burden by some 18 parliamentary constituencies, and the political parties that operate in Northern Ireland. While I do not have an estimate of the costs involved, I suspect that their overall impact on the legislation will be marginal, because they will relate to an operation that the Electoral Commission already undertakes.
If I have any figures to hand in due course, I shall write to the hon. Lady. However, the costs are marginal and the commission is content to undertake the work. Given that, I hope that my hon. Friend the Member for Belfast, South will feel able to withdraw the amendment.