§ 96. Mr. KINGasked the Home Secretary whether the Government intend to initiate or support legislation with the object of altering the position of the Church in Wales as settled by Acts of Parliament passed last Session?
§ Mr. McKENNAI do not think it would be convenient to anticipate the discussion in another place to-morrow.
§ Mr. KINGDoes that mean that the Department are disposed to modify their attitude on this question? Have they been converted?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir. I do not agree with that inference from the answer I have given.
97. Mr. BUTLER LLOYDasked if the Welsh Commissioners have concluded the ballot which was being held in the border parishes; and, if not, when it will be concluded?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe votes given are all in the hands of the Commissioners, who will now proceed to consider how far they afford a clear indication of the general wishes of the parishioners.
§ 98. Mr. BRIDGEMANasked the Home Secretary if he is aware that the registrar of the Knighton Union stated that he could not give a voting paper to a qualified voter who had not received a paper, and that he was unable to give it as he had to return unused papers at once; and if this was in accordance with the instructions of the Welsh Commissioners?
§ Mr. McKENNAI have no information as to the case referred to by the hon. Member. The Welsh Commissioners gave instruction that the registrars should 1143 collect all unused voting papers on or before Wednesday, 27th January, and should return them to the Commissioners. Voting papers could, however, be obtained at any time during the period allowed for voting from the Commissioners, and were, in fact, sent to those who applied for them.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANIs it now possible for people perfectly entitled, but who had no intimation that a ballot was to be taken, to give a vote?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf any number have not received voting papers, I imagine that will be a fact which will lead the Commissioners to think that the ballot does not afford an indication of the general feeling of the parishioners. I am unable to answer as to any particular case without notice.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAre the Commissioners to form an opinion without any votes being taken at all?
§ Mr. McKENNAThat is not what my answer conveyed. If the facts are as stated by the hon. Gentleman it will probably lead the Commissioners to think that no clear indication of the opinion of the parishioners has been given.
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANAm I right in saying that a person who never had any notice that a ballot was to be taken, although he is entitled to vote, is excluded by the rule of the Commissioners from voting?
§ Mr. McKENNANo, Sir
§ Mr. BRIDGEMANThen how is he to vote?