HC Deb 19 June 1896 vol 41 cc1427-8
LORD BALCARRES (Lancashire, Chorley)

I beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board—(1) whether, in view of the mismanagement of the recent election for the Parish Council of Wrightington, he will recommend the establishment of an additional polling station for the district southwest of Bannister Lane and Whittle Lane; (2) whether he will give directions that voting lists and notices of election shall in the future be more adequately posted throughout the district, and (3) whether those who were responsible for the fact that 76 voters were disfranchised at the recent election have made any apology or expressed regret for their carelessness in the matter?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. HENRY CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, Sleaford

Under the existing regulations for the election of Parish Councillors, a direction from the County Council would be necessary to enable more than one polling station to be provided for the parish of Wrightington. The matter would thus be one for the County Council, and I do not see my way to interfering with regard to it. The various notices in connection with the election of Parish Councillors are required to be posted on or near to the principal door of each church or chapel in the parish, and in some conspicuous place or places within the parish. I have not received any complaint as to a failure to comply with this requirement in the present case. I have no information on the subject referred to in the last paragraph of the Question.