HC Deb 26 July 1944 vol 402 cc744-5
9. Mr. Pritt

asked the Secretary of State for Air to what proportion of the Forces serving under his Department the forms of registration as voters have been distributed; and what proportion of the recipients have actually registered.

Sir A. Sinclair

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply which I gave on 10th May to Questions by the hon. Baronet the Member for Tamworth (Sir J. Mellor), the hon. Member for Eddisbury (Mr. Loverseed) and the hon. and gallant Member for Stockport (Sir A. Gridley). As I then explained, arrangements are being made, where practicable, for a copy of the registration form to be handed to every airman and airwoman at pay parades and it is hoped to cover all units by 1st August. As for the second part of the Question, test checks have been carried out among home units which suggest that approximately 75 per cent. of all personnel at those units have registered.

Mr. Pritt

Could not the right hon. Gentleman do a little better than to refer me to the answers given two and a half months ago? He only tells me what happened two and a half months ago. I would like him to tell me, if he can, what has happened in the two and a half months.

Sir A. Sinclair

I have no records, but I think it is, roughly, 75 per cent.

Mr. Hugh Lawson

Can the right hon. Gentleman say if, as well as keeping a check on the number of forms handed in, a check is being kept on the forms sent to the registration officer?

Sir A. Sinclair

My hon. Friend knows that that is not being done, but we are keeping a test check.