To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what the timetable was for the introduction of individual electoral registration in Northern Ireland. (269917)

In March 2001, the Government published a White Paper on Combating Electoral Fraud in Northern Ireland which discussed the introduction of individual registration. The Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 Received Royal assent on 1 May 2002 and contained provisions that would introduce individual registration to Northern Ireland. These provisions were commenced on 1 September 2002. See Article 3 of the Electoral Fraud (Northern Ireland) Order 2002

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2002/20021648.htm

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many electoral identity cards have been (a) issued and (b) reported as lost or stolen in each year since they were introduced in Northern Ireland. (269918)

This is an operational matter for the Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland. The right hon. Member may wish to write to him directly.

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportion of (a) postal vote applications, (b) proxy vote applications and (c) postal vote ballot papers in Northern Ireland are checked with the personal identifiers held on the elector; and which of the three personal identifiers are used to verify (i) postal vote applications, (ii) proxy vote applications and (iii) postal vote ballot papers. (270140)

Sections 6 and 7 of the Representation of the People Act 1985 provide that all postal and proxy vote applications in Northern Ireland must include details of the three personal identifiers (national insurance number (or a statement that the applicant does not have one), date of birth and signature) and the registration officer must be satisfied that these details are consistent with information already provided to him by the applicant. In order to be deemed to be returned, postal vote ballot papers must be accompanied by a declaration of identity which includes the date of birth and signature of the elector which are consistent with information already provided by the applicant.

The Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland acts as both returning officer and registration officer for Northern Ireland and queries relating to the checks that he undertakes to ensure that the legislative requirements outlined above are met should be made to him directly.