Clause 2 — Entitlement to vote in the referendum

Part of Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill – in the House of Commons at 8:30 pm on 18 October 2010.

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Photo of Mark Harper Mark Harper The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office 8:30, 18 October 2010

I do not think that my hon. Friend would expect me to set out that position now. As I said, referring to what my hon. Friend the Member for Aldridge-Brownhills said, we have arrived at this position because of our history and traditions. Parliament can, in the future, consider the extent to which it wishes to recognise that history and those traditions-how we have got where we are and how this country was created-or whether it wishes to adopt a pure system such as those adopted by countries without that long history. The House can debate and decide that issue at a future date. The Government do not wish to make that change now, but I will listen to what my hon. Friend the Member for Altrincham and Sale West has said, and I will think on it some more.