HC Deb 25 April 1918 vol 105 cc1098-9
5. Mr. BURDETT-COUTTS

asked the Home Secretary whether the local inquiries for proportional representation, affecting 150 seats, have disclosed a widespread opposition to the scheme throughout the country; whether in any case, and, if so, in how many cases, assent to its application has been unanimous; whether the inquiries have in any case been directed to finding out if the general body of electors have any accurate knowledge of the nature and working of the scheme or to obtaining their assent to it; and whether, in view of the demands on the attention and energies of the people in connection with the War, and the disturbance involved in a change of electoral conditions as settled under the Act, the Commission is now prepared to abandon the scheme and save the House of Commons any further loss of time in reviewing its own decisions, five times repeated, against proportional representation?

Sir G. CAVE

I have no information with regard to the local inquiries referred to, and think that it will be necessary to await the Report of the Commission. As regards the last part of the question, it does not appear to me that it would be competent to the Commissioners to adopt the course suggested.

Mr. BURDETT-COUTTS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether he has noticed that there is nothing in the question incompatible with the Commission reporting, and whether it would not be to the great convenience of the House to know whether the Report will be of such a nature as to make further discussion in this House unnecessary at the present time?

Sir G. CAVE

Of course, I have no authority to dictate to or advise the Commission as to its Report.

Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKE

Is it suggested that this matter should be discussed, in view of the fact that in every place where inquiry has been held the decision has been against the view held by the Government?

Sir R. ADKINS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a number of cases the bulk of the evidence has been quite the other way, and that there is no ground for saying otherwise?

Mr. TYSON WILSON

Can the right hon. Gentleman say when he expects the Report?

Sir G. CAVE

That is the subject of a later question.

7. Mr. GULLAND

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the Report of the Commission on Proportional Representation will be presented?

Sir G. CAVE

I understand that this Report will be presented at an early date, probably next week.