§ 38. Mr. HOHLERasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that immediate legislation is necessary to preserve to those now serving in His Majesty's Forces, both at sea and upon land, their electoral privileges at the approaching registration; and will he state what steps he proposes to take to prevent the names of those on the existing lists being struck off the lists about to be prepared?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Long)As stated by the Prime Minister on Monday last, a Bill to postpone elections and to provide for a register for the future is about to be introduced. A full statement as to the steps proposed to be taken in the matter will be made in connection with the Bill.
§ Mr. KINGIn view of the work which has now been undertaken in connection with registration this year, will the right hon. Gentleman state whether serious and new principles will be introduced to deal with the register in 1916?
§ Mr. LONGPerhaps it would be better for the hon. Member to wait for the Bill and see what it says. I think it will be found to deal with the situation satisfactorily.
§ Mr. KINGWill not the work which is now being actually undertaken be rendered entirely nugatory by the provisions of the Bill the right hon. Gentleman is going to introduce?
§ Mr. LONGNo, Sir; certainly not. The work which is now being done will obviously provide a register for the present year. Under certain circumstances it will be of some value for the future, but the Bill will not render the work referred to invalid.