§ 55. Sir CHARLES HENRYasked the President of the Local Government Board if he will grant a Return setting forth the number of male electors who were on the register qualified to vote at county council elections held this year and the number who recorded their votes, and the number of females who were on the register qualified to vote at the same elections and the number who recorded their votes?
§ Mr. BURNSTo obtain this Return it would be necessary to require the sealed documents relating to the election to be opened. The power to require this to be done is doubtful, and in any case I think that the opening of documents which public policy has directed to be kept secret should not be permitted unless very exceptional circumstances demand it.
§ Sir C. HENRYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think this information would be some guidance as to the advisability of extending the Parliamentary franchise to women?
§ Mr. BURNSI do not think the circumstances to which the hon. Baronet refers are so exceptional as to warrant this action.