§ 40. Major ASTORasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the fact that a number of soldiers in proxy areas will not be on the register of voters now under preparation, he will publish a supplementary list of electors for proxy voters, so as to enable these soldiers to be represented at the next election?
§ The PRESIDENT of the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Hayes Fisher)I think my hon. Friend is under some misapprehension. I know of no reason why a number of soldiers in proxy areas should be omitted from the register. Information as to the qualification of these men to be registered is supplied to registration officers direct from the Army Record Offices in this country.
§ Major ASTORCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is still of opinion that it takes six months for these names to be put on the voters' lists?
§ Mr. FISHERThe hon. Gentleman is totally mistaken in that view. He is confusing registration with voting.
§ 68. Mr. KINGasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he is aware that, though 5th July was the last day for lodging claims, no forms for claiming had been 29 received on 3rd July by the authorities in Carlow and other places; whether he can explain the neglect to provide forms in sufficient time; and whether the period for claiming has been or will be extended?
§ The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND (Mr. Arthur Samuels)Claim forms for county Carlow were sent by post on 7th June. With respect to other counties, forms were dispatched on the same date as they were applied for, and this also applies to supplemental applications. With regard to the last part of the question, the Government have fixed the 1st October as the date for the first register, and it would be in the highest degree impracticable to alter any intermediate registration dates.
§ Mr. GULLAND (by Private Notice)asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that in a large number of the new constituencies the lists of electors were not published on the 29th June and that in many places they are still not issued, and whether he will say what steps he intends to take to extend the period for lodging claims and objections.
§ Mr. FISHERI am not in possession of complete information, but I know that in some places, owing mainly to exceptional printing difficulties, full publication of the lists was not secured within the prescribed time, and I think there will have to be some latitude allowed in these cases. The matter is receiving my consideration.
Mr. CHANCELLORIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that tens of thousands of names have been left out, probably, in London alone? And is anything to be done to see that those entitled to go on are put on?
§ Mr. FISHERYes; I am well aware of that.
§ Mr. GULLANDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the last day at present for lodging objections is on Wednesday, and will he, therefore, take care that quick notice is given?
§ Mr. FISHERI am aware of that, and that some action is urgently necessary.