§ MR. J. A. PEASE (Essex, Saffron Walden)To ask the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that at an election for the Orsett Rural District Council, on 28th March last, at South Ockendon in Essex, a large employer of labour in the district appointed his son as his personation agent, and that the son sat at the same table as the polling clerk and was present in the room throughout the election; and, if so, whether steps will be taken by the Government either to introduce a clause in the Ballot Act to provide that no candidate employing labour shall be allowed to appoint any relative or workman in his employ or act himself as personation agent, or whether the Government will give their support to a Private Bill introduced to secure this object.
(Answered by Mr. Walter Long.) I have received a communication as to the case referred to. I am afraid I could not undertake to promote or support a Bill with the object suggested.