§ SIR W. FOSTER (Derby, Ilkeston)I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that at the recent election for a member of the Surrey County Council, Reigate, Western Division, the Returning Officer refused to give a casting vote, and sent the writ back, "No Election;" "F. E. Barnes, 500; J. Seex, 500;" and whether he will order a fresh election, or state what steps will be taken to remove the deadlock?
§ * THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. RITCHIE,) Tower Hamlets, St. George'sI find that the Returning Officer for the Borough of Reigate certified that no person had been elected as a County Councillor for the Western Division of 148 the Borough because the votes given for the two candidates were equal in number and the Returning Officer had declined to give a casting vote. It appears to be a matter of regret that the Returning Officer did not exercise the power conferred upon him by the Statute of giving a casting vote in a case of equality of votes; but under the circumstances I apprehend that, if it is desired that a further election should be held, the only course is to apply to the High Court for the issue of a mandamus for the purpose.