38. It has been suggested that any adverse effect there might be on the balance of the campaign if one side had more resources than the other could be substantially reduced by a ban on the publication by newspapers of paid campaign advertisements, except those necessary to publicise campaign meetings. The Government's view is that such a ban would be an unaccepta- ble restriction on a normal freedom and that it might have an adverse effect on the impact of the campaign and on the number of people who decide to vote.
39. Employers may seek to influence the views of their employees and trade unions the views of their members by warning them in their place of work of the dangers to their jobs of one outcome or another of the referendum. The Government do not believe that the control of such activities by employers or trade unions is an appropriate subject for legislation but hope that none of those concerned will engage in campaigning activities that might be damaging to industrial relations.
Assistance from Public Funds
40. The Government have received representations that a fair and effective referendum requires assistance from public funds to the campaigning organisations. This would require statutory authority. The Government are prepared to consider providing limited financial assistance, to be equally divided between the two sides, if it is possible to identify two organisations which adequately represent those campaigning for and against continued membership of the Community.
5. LEGISLATION
41. In his statement on 23 January the Prime Minister announced that the Government proposed to introduce legislation at Easter-time to provide for the holding of the referendum.
42. The legislation will need to make specific provision for various matters which will apply uniquely to the referendum and to adapt the existing electoral machinery as necessary. The Government propose that the Bill itself should authorise the holding of the referendum and include machinery for the determination of the date. It will specify the wording of the question. It will include provision for the appointment of some person to have overall responsibility for counting the votes and announcing the result. It will make appropriate financial provision in connection with the holding of the referendum. It will also include the power to adapt the existing machinery by Order. Because of its importance, the committee stage of the Bill will be taken on the Floor of the House of Commons.
43. The Order will be made as soon as possible after the Bill has received Royal Assent. A draft will be published at the time the Bill is introduced or very soon afterwards. This will enable the Bill to be debated against the background of specific proposals relating to the machinery. The contents of the Order will be technical and seem likely to be uncontroversial. The Government will however take account of any views on matters of detail expressed during the debates on the Bill.
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