§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether, having regard to the fact that, by the virtue of the provisions of The London Government Act, 1899, town clerks in London prepare the Register of Voters for Parliamentary and other purposes and act as returning officers and deputy returning officers for elections other than elections for Members of Parliament, he will consider the desirability of promoting legislation to appoint them returning officers at Parliamentary elections also, and, pending legislation, of approaching the High Sheriff of the county of London with a view to their appointment under the procedure at present in force.
§ MR. GLADSTONEI beg to answer this Question on behalf of my right hon. friend. I may say that the late High Sheriff of London, who had this question brought before him by the Woolwich Borough Council, saw no reason for making any alteration in the appointment of returning officers, as he was satisfied that their duties had been carried out in 358 a satisfactory manner. But I shall be happy to consider the hon. Member's, suggestion.