HC Deb 23 March 1914 vol 60 cc25-6
51. Mr. PETO

asked the Prime Minister whether he will appoint a Committee to investigate and deal with the claims of mariners and others who, owing to the avocations which they follow, are almost wholly disenfranchised, and at present are given no facilities whatever for the purpose of enabling them to record their votes at Parliamentary elections?

58. Mr. BUTCHER

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that a number of persons employed in our mercantile marine are, although they are on the register of voters, unable to record their votes on the actual day of a Parliamentary election by reason of their absence at sea in the course of their employment, he will give facilities for the passing of the Bill now before the House for enabling such persons to exercise the franchise?

The PRIME MINISTER

I doubt whether a Committee would be able to deal satisfactorily with the claims referred to. The difficult case of absent voters involves some obvious hardships for which it is not easy to devise appropriate remedies, and I cannot say more than that the question shall be carefully considered.

Mr. BUTCHER

Will the right hon. Gentleman give facilities for the consideration of the Bill now before the House to enable absent persons to exercise the franchise?

The PRIME MINISTER

Is that a private Member's Bill?

Mr. BUTCHER

Yes.

The PRIME MINISTER

I will look at it.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that he has already informed the House that he would give this matter immediate attention?

The PRIME MINISTER (was understood to say)

That is being done.