§ SIR ELLIOTT LEES (Birkenhead)To ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, in his future Redistribution proposals, he will consider the possibility of separate representation for mariners at sea on the date of the poll; whether he will, next year, appoint a Committee to report whether it is desirable and practicable to make arrangements whereby votes can be recorded in advance by mariners and fishermen who, by reason of their calling, will be at sea on the day of the poll.
(Answered by Mr. A. J. Balfour.) The proposal of my hon. friend for separate representation for seamen is a novel one, and I hardly see how it can be incorporated in a general scheme of Redistribution; but no doubt this case, and that of other classes, in respect of their power to record their votes, is at present one of hardship. As regards a Committee, I think my hon. friend must raise the question next session.