The European Parliamentary Elections Act 1978
51.The following provisions of this Act are repealed.
Section 8(1) states that the provisions in the Act apply only to the election of MEPs in the United Kingdom. This is now clear from the amendments made by the present Act.
Schedule 1, paragraph 1 deals with the number of members of the European Parliament to be elected in the United Kingdom. It is replaced by the new section 2 inserted by section 1 of the present Act.
Schedule 1, paragraph 2(1) deals with the franchise for elections to the European Parliament. It is replaced by the new section 3C inserted by section 1 of this Act.
Schedule 1, paragraph 2(2) sets out the voting system in Northern Ireland. It is replaced by identical provisions in the new section 3A inserted by section 1 of the present Act.
In Schedule 1, paragraph 2(3)(a) the words "(including the registration of electors and the limitation of candidates' election expenses)". Paragraph 2(3) gives the Secretary of State power to make regulations. Specific references to election expenses are now contained in the new sub-paragraph (3A) of paragraph 2 of Schedule 1 to the Act which is set out in Schedule 2 to the present Act.
Schedule 1, paragraph 2(4)(c) permits regulations to be made which amend provisions relating to the registration of Parliamentary and local government electors. This power has never been used and is no longer needed.
