Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Karen Lumley Excerpts
Wednesday 21st November 2012

(11 years, 5 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Bob Blackman Portrait Bob Blackman (Harrow East) (Con)
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2. What role the Electoral Commission will play in the referendum on Scottish independence.

Karen Lumley Portrait Karen Lumley (Redditch) (Con)
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11. What role the Electoral Commission will play in the referendum on Scottish independence.

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Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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My hon. Friend is right to highlight the expertise and experience of the Electoral Commission, which is indeed a highly respected institution. I do not think that it would be in the interests of the Scottish Government or any nationalists to pit themselves against the commission’s advice.

Karen Lumley Portrait Karen Lumley
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Does my right hon. Friend share the concern that the referendum question submitted to the Electoral Commission by the Scottish Government is weighted in favour of a positive outcome?

Michael Moore Portrait Michael Moore
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I understand the concern that people feel about the formulation presented by the Scottish Government, but I think that, given its great experience, great expertise and trusted status, the Electoral Commission is in the right position to carry out the right procedures. I am ready to stand by its advice, and I hope that the Scottish Government are too.