19. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he will issue a circular to all local authorities pointing out that in carrying out the present policy of co-option of members to fill vacancies the political and party ties of the persons co-opted should correspond with those of the previous members?
§ Mr. LONGI do not think it is desirable that I should issue such a circular as suggested. In the Debate on the Elections and Registration Bill I made it clear what line should, in my opinion, be adopted in filling casual vacancies occurring at the present time. I feel confident that local authorities will follow the principle which has been adopted in regard to Parliamentary Elections.
§ Mr. BOOTHIs my right hon. Friend aware that sometimes men may be of the same political persuasion but totally opposed to each other on those points of local administration about which there are contests?
§ Mr. LONGYes, Sir, I am aware of the fact, and it is one of the reasons why I do not propose to issue a circular.
§ Mr. W. THORNEMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will be prepared to send his answer to that question to all the local authorities?
§ Mr. LONGI should like to know, first of all, whether the local authorities are 989 anxious that I should do so. There are a great many of them, and, unless I had some indication that they desired suggestions from me on the subject, I do not think that I could send them any such circular.