§ MR. MACFIEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If 1563 he intends to take any steps with a view to accelerating ascertainment and declaration of the results of polling in Parliamentary Elections?
MR. BRUCESir, soon after the passing of the Ballot Act, the Home Department, with the assistance of my right hon. Friend the Vice President of the Council, drew up directions for the application of its provisions in a most expeditious way. I am not aware that any improvement can be made in the regulations. I shall be glad to receive any suggestions on the subject; but I would remind my hon. Friend that the casting up of the votes is a laborious task, and that the Secretary of State cannot annihilate space and time.