SCOTTISH ELECTION INQUIRY ACCESS TO BALLOT PAPERS

That this House expresses serious concern at the 146,097 spoiled ballot papers in the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections; notes with concern that the inquiry led by independent expert Ron Gould will not be allowed access to the ballot papers; believes that examination and analysis of the ballot papers is essential for the inquiry to be fully comprehensive; and calls on the Secretary of State for Scotland to bring forward legislation to enable the inquiry to view the ballot papers, with appropriate measures to preserve the integrity of the secret ballot.