§ Sir E. CARSONI wish to ask the Prime Minister if he can now state when he can make a statement about the Parliament Act and the Franchise and Registration questions?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think I had better make it now. The Cabinet 344 have for a long time had this matter in all its aspects under consideration It raises questions of great difficulty and perplexity, not only in regard to registration, but also the franchise, for which they have been unable so far to find any practical and uncontroversial solution. As the matter is one which concerns the House of Commons even more than the Government, they propose to ask the House to set up at once a Select Committee to which they will be ready to submit all the information at their disposal.
§ Sir E. CARSONWith reference to the Prime Minister's answer a moment ago, I should like to ask whether, before this Committee is set up, he will give us an opportunity of discussing the Motion which stands in my name, whether this Committee is really for the purpose of delay, and whether we were not told many months ago that we were on the eve of a solution of this question; and also I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman if he will tell us what will be the kind of Committee, when he supposes they will report, and whether he proposes to pro long the life of this Parliament at the will of the Government, without having any Register ready, and thereby disfranchising a great number of people in this country?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI need not say that these are all important and relevant considerations which have occupied our anxious attention for a long time. I think, perhaps, the right hon. Gentleman's purpose might be served on the Motion for the appointment of a Committee just as well as on his Motion.
§ Sir E. CARSONOf course, a good deal depends upon what is the reference to the Committee. For instance, take an example. Will it be a reference to the Committee as to whether the life of this Parliament ought to be prolonged? That does not seem to me to be a satisfactory way of discussing that question. However, if the right hon. Gentleman will let us know by communications what the form of the reference is, probably that would give us, if we were allowed to discuss the point, an opportunity of expressing our views. May I also express the hope that there will be no further delay in this matter, which seems to me to be becoming almost a public scandal.
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is quite obvious that the life of this Parliament must he prolonged to some extent. As to the 345 form of the Register, it is not a Register which would come into operation before the month of September next. So far, I think that is common ground between us, and this Parliament comes to an end in September. With regard to the terms of reference, we will consult the usual channels. When the right hon. Gentleman talks of a public scandal I think when the Committee which is to be appointed proceeds to investigate the subject, it will find the same difficulties we experienced, and they will have to experience them also.
§ Mr. OUTHWAITEMay I ask the Prime Minister whether the terms of reference will enable steps to be taken for the sending out of election literature to the troops at the front if they are to be called upon to vote. [An HON. MEMBER: "Spare them that."]
§ Sir E. CARSONGerman literature.
§ Sir F. BANBURYMay I ask whether when the question arises as to whether a Committee is to be appointed, the House will be at liberty to discuss not only the appointment of the Committee, but the whole question. I am rather afraid that the discussion might be limited to discussing the question whether or not a Committee should be appointed, and what my right hon. and learned Friend wants is a discussion of the whole question.
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am sure I am as anxious as anybody that the whole subject should be discussed, and I feel sure that the more it is discussed the more apparent will be the difficulties.
§ Mr. PRINGLEWill the right hon. Gentleman say by what machinery the members of this Committee will be chosen?
§ The PRIME MINISTEREach name will be put to the House.
§ Mr. PRINGLEMy right hon. Friend knows perfectly well that the names are selected' in the first instance, and it is very invidious to substitute names on the floor of the House. My question was as to who will select the names?
§ Sir E. CARSONMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the reference will be put down next week?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWith regard to the composition of the Committee that is a matter entirely for the House. The only thing I say about it is that no member of the Government intends to sit upon it.
§ Mr. RAWLINSONWill the revision of the Voting Lists go on as usual?
§ Sir A. MARKHAMIf the House gives facilities for the passing of the Bill which the Prime Minister is going to introduce, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether the War Minister will answer questions in Parliament, because during the last six months he has not done so?
§ Mr. SPEAKEROne depends upon the other.