CLAUSE 2.—(University Franchise—Men). (Hansard, 18 June 1917)

§ Mr. WHITEHOUSE
I moved this Amendment in a single sentence, in order, if possible, that the Committee might dispose of it when the matter was last under discussion, but the Home Secretary had only time to say that, of course, a university member could only vote once in an election. That hardly covers the whole question raised by the Amendment. The Noble Lord the Member for Oxford University (Lord Hugh Cecil) would be qualified under the Bill as it now stands to appear on the roll of at least two universities, namely, Oxford and Glasgow.

§ Lord H. CECIL
indicated dissent.

§ Mr. WHITEHOUSE
May I take, then, the example of the hon. Member who so ably represents the University of Glasgow in this House? He also holds a degree from the University of Oxford, not an honorary degree, and he would be entitled to appear on the electors' roll for the University of Glasgow and also for the University of Oxford. It is perfectly true that at a General Election he would have to choose which of those votes he would use, and he would use, say, his vote for the University of Glasgow. But if a little later there were a by-election for the University of Oxford he would then be able, quite legally and properly, to use his vote at that by-election for the University of Oxford. He would, therefore, be a plural voter so far as university representation was concerned. The Amendment would simply abolish plural voting so far as the universities are concerned. It is not a very important matter, but I think it would be more consistent with the Bill if the Amendment were made, and that is why I venture to suggest this small alteration.