HC Deb 10 April 1905 vol 144 cc999-1000
MR. KEIR HARDIE

To ask the Lord-Advocate whether his attention has been called to the action at law arising out of certain candidates for the Brechin Parish Council having issued a poll card on the eve of the election, which the learned sheriff who tried the case said had been proved to have prevented one or more electors from recording their vote; and whether he proposes to amend the

an offence under Section 70 of the Licensing (Scotland) Act, 1903; protection against a drunken husband or wife was provided under Section 73 of the same Act, and caution for good behaviour was prescribed by Section 71. The Act only came into operation on the 1st January, 1904; and the Judicial Statistics for 1904 will not, in ordinary course, be available before October next:—

law of corrupt and illegal practices in respect to the issue of such cards.

(Answered by Mr. Scott Dickson.) My attention has been called to the proceedings and action referred to. The sheriff found that while there had been carelessness in connection with the issuing of the card in question there was nothing fraudulent, and accordingly he refused the prayer of the petition, but in respect of said carelessness found no expenses due to the respondent. I do not think that such a case necessitates an amendment of the law.