§ Mr. RUPERT GWYNNE(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister if it is his intention to press on the Registration Bill without delay, and whether the Bill will be so amended as to enable sailors and soldiers to record their vote in the event of an election taking place while they are on active service?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe answer to the first part of the question is, subject, of course, to arrangement, in the affirmative. With regard to the second, I can only say that the matter is engaging the serious and sympathetic attention of the Government.
§ Mr. GWYNNEIs the right hon. gentleman aware of what was stated in another place yesterday, and that it was definitely stated that a separate Bill would be introduced to deal with that matter? Will he confirm that statement here to-day?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI think that what was said was that a Bill would be introduced to carry out the pledge I gave to my right hon. and learned Friend (Sir E. Carson). In connection with that Bill this other question could be raised.
§ Sir EDWARD CARSONWill that Bill be brought in in this House, or in the House of Lords?
§ The PRIME MINISTEROh, in this House. It affects this House.
§ Mr. GWYNNEIf one Bill will hang upon the other, will the Bill to enable men to record their votes be really a counterpart of the Registration Bill itself?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI do not know what a "counterpart" means. It has been ruled by the Chair that we cannot introduce these matters by way of Amendment to the Registration Bill. We must therefore introduce a Bill to amend the Ballot Act, and on that Bill an Amendment with regard to voting will be in order?
§ Sir E. CARSONWill the right hon. Gentleman have the Bill so drafted that we can raise the question of soldiers and sailors recording their votes at the front?
§ The PRIME MINISTERCertainly.
§ Sir E. CARSONI am much obliged to you.
§ Sir FRANCIS LOWEWill the Report of the Committee that is considering the question of registration and other questions be received before the Bill is framed?
§ Sir E. CARSONYou mean will it be received before the War is over?
§ The PRIME MINISTERThat question should be addressed to Mr. Speaker.
§ Mr. BILLINGIn view of the fact that the Prime Minister has stated that this has the sympathetic support of the Government—I mean that the men should be allowed to record their votes—will he make it clear that it is only a question of procedure, and that they shall have the vote?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI did not say "sympathetic support," I said "sympathetic consideration."