asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when she expects to receive the report of the Department of Health and Social Security and Home Department Inter-departmental Working Party considering Section 4(3) of the Representation of the People Act 1948 as amended.

I understand that the deliberations of the Inter-Departmental Working Party have shown that the recommendation of the Speaker's Conference raises a number of complex issues which the Conference may not have appreciated. My right hon. Friend is accordingly considering with her colleagues whether this isue should be referred to a reconvened Speakers' Conference on Electoral Law.