HC Deb 31 January 1918 vol 101 cc1913-4

(1) The provisions set out in the Fourth Schedule to this Act shall be substituted for Part IV and paragraph (3) of Part V. of the First Schedule to the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act, 1883 (which relate to the maximum scale of election expenses), and that the Act shall have effect accordingly.

Lords Amendment:

After Sub-section (1), insert as a new Sub-section:

(2) Sub-section (1) of Section five of the Municipal Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Act, 1884, shall for the purposes of county council elections be read and have effect as if "two-pence" were inserted therein in lieu of "three-pence."

Colonel Sir H. JESSEL

I beg to move, "That this House doth disagree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

In the Bill sent up to the other House there were certain Acts which had permanent effect, and among the Acts was the Municipal Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Act, 1884. The Lords in their wisdom singled out among all those Acts one particular Sub-section of the Municipal Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Act, and altered it so as to reduce the amount that could be spent from county funds on elections from 3d. to 2d. Experience has shown that county councils are run very cheaply, and you cannot spend anything like the money you can on Parliamentary elections. If this House agrees with the Lords Amendment, it will be hardly possible to circularise the electors at all. Therefore, I hope the economical tendencies of the House of Lords may be checked, seeing that the amount which is allowed to be expended under the provisions of the Act of 1884 is not extravagant.

Sir W. DICKINSON

I beg to second the Motion.

I can assure the House that this reduction would make it very difficult indeed to conduct county council elections. The amount is very low at the present time. In Parliamentary elections we authorise every candidate to have one free postage. In the county council elections he will not even get that. I feel convinced that a great mistake will be made if we reduce this amount.

Sic G. CAVE

I fear this Amendment opens up a new field of discussion not closely connected with some other parts of the Bill, and as my hon. and gallant Friend and my right hon. Friend agree in a matter of this kind, I expect they are likely to be right. I think, therefore, we might take their view, and disagree with, the Lords Amendment. May I take this opportunity of saying we are proposing to go so far as the end of page 26, and then, I will ask the House to adjourn?

Lords Amendment disagreed with.