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Do you have a short question, Stephen, or has it been answered?

That is very helpful.

Thank you. I absolutely respect that there is a policy element in contrast to the implementation aspect.

You said that one possible amendment would involve individuals having limited leave to remain for the full period of the proposed office. Are you able to comment on whether that is a practical solution, given that those who are granted limited leave to remain are given varied periods of time and that there is certainly no consideration of electoral office cycles in that discussion?

No, I appreciate that.

I have no problem with that.

The proposal received significant support in the committee’s consultation on the bill and, prior to that, in the Government’s consultation on electoral reform. Malcolm Burr, leaving aside any problem with the policy decision, you see there being two practical problems with the proposal. Probably the most concerning would be a rise in the number of by-elections, which cost money and are problematic within the structure. The other problem relates to being able to identify, at the time of an election, whether there is likely to be a problem coming down the line with limited leave either expiring or being rescinded. Your comments are very helpful.

I will now hand you over—throw you on the mercy of—the committee. I go to Stephen Kerr first, and then to Ivan McKee, who will carry on with the next block of questions.

Is there a resource implication, or is it a principle that returning officers should accept what is presented to them by an individual or the supporting team around them?

Would it be helpful or otherwise if postponement, rather than just being a pause for a period, reset the clock? Let us say we were four weeks into what is colloquially called the short campaign and there was a postponement for a period. When the clock restarted, would it make any difference from a practical point of view if you had to deliver within the remaining two weeks or restart the full six-week short campaign?

I will explore that a little bit. If you are not in a position to advise at the moment, I am more than happy for you to come back to us in writing. Do you think that time should, in essence, freeze during a postponement, with no additional people being allowed to come on to the register, or would it be better to accept that the passage of time during a postponement means that people are entitled to come on to and, indeed, come off the register? From an administrative, non-policy position, which would be the best approach?

My last question relates to the postponement of elections. I know that a lot derives from policy, but your input would be helpful. If a postponement is being considered, there should be consultation. Are there any organisations that you would like to see on that consultation list before the decision is made?

That is helpful.