Written question asked by Lord Pickles (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 January 2010. It was answered by Lord Wills (Labour) on Monday, 11 January 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Elections

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will undertake an impact assessment in respect of the implementation of proposals to conduct the counting of all votes in the general election on the day after polling.

Answer: The decision as to the timing of the count at an election is for the relevant returning officer. Under section 5 of the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, the Electoral Commission is required to produce a report on the administration of each general election in the UK. The Government will study the commission's report carefully and respond to any issues that emerge. The Government have no plans to undertake any separate assessment in respect of the conduct of counts at the next UK parliamentary general election.

Secondary information