HC Deb 13 May 1912 vol 38 cc787-8
Mr. PETO

asked the Prime Minister whether, in respect to his promised reforms of the franchise, he has received any representations from the Imperial Merchant Service Guild, urging upon His Majesty's Government the disability of seafarers as regards their inability to record their votes at Parliamentary elections; and whether, in his promised Reform Bill he proposes to insert special provisions calculated to remove this disability?

The PRIME MINISTER

I have no recollection of having received recent representations from the quarter named, but the position of those whose duties involve absence from their homes during elections is well known to the Government and will receive careful consideration.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Are we to understand that the votes of sailors and soldiers will receive consideration?

The PRIME MINISTER

The question is more as to the absence from their homes at General Elections. My answer applies to all such persons.