§ 54 and 55. Mr. BILLINGasked the Prime Minister (1) whether his attention has been drawn to the political crisis from which this House has recently emerged; whether, under these circumstances, he can see his way clear to take immediate steps for the compilation of a new register in preparation for the next General Election which a political crisis may precipitate; (2) whether the Government propose to take steps to bring into force the recent recommendations of the Committee on Franchise Reform presided over by Mr. Speaker; and, if so, when such action is proposed to be initiated?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI have nothing to add to the answer which I gave to the hon. Member for East Nottinghamshire on 6th March.
§ Mr. BILLINGAre we to understand that no steps whatever are to be taken now to give us an opportunity of appealing to the country, if it should be necessary, on fair and just grounds?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWNo, Sir. I think it is the general view of the House, as it is the view of the Government, that before taking steps in that direction it would be well to have a discussion on the recommendations of the Speaker's Conference.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIn view of the threat of the right hon. Gentleman on Friday, is this not a much more urgent matter now?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI made no threat, and I do not think hon. Members opposite regarded it as a threat.
§ Mr. BILLINGWhen is an opportunity to be given for this discussion, because the Speaker's Conference reported quite a long time ago?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWAs I have already stated, we are ready to give an opportunity as soon as a Resolution is put down.
§ Mr. DEVLINMay I ask if the statement of Friday last was not a threat, what was it?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIt was not intended to be a threat. It was intended to represent what I regarded as a possibility.
§ Sir H. CRAIKMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman if any action by this House with regard to registration is to be dependent upon the chance of a Resolution being put down in regard to the Speaker's Conference?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI hope it is not a chance. I feel sure such a Resolution will be put down shortly, and I think it will be better to discuss it then.
§ Mr. PRINGLEIs it not the case that the Government cannot make up its mind on the matter?