HC Deb 21 September 1886 vol 309 c1116
MR. WADDY (Lincolnshire, Brigg)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to the fact that, in the rural districts, the polling places are frequently arranged in such a way that many voters of the poorer classes are compelled to walk several miles to vote; whether the loss of time thus caused has not, in fact, largely prevented the exercise of the franchise; and, whether he will take steps to remedy this hardship?

THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. MATTHEWS) (Birmingham, E.)

My attention has not been called to this matter, otherwise than by the Question of the hon. and learned Member. He does not appear to have read the Statutes on the subject. The polling districts in counties are fixed by the Court of Quarter Sessions, and they are the authority to whom any complaint should be addressed. I have no power to interfere.