HC Deb 06 November 1918 vol 110 cc2108-9
93. Mr. MACMASTER

asked the President of the Local Government Board if he will state what are the numbers of registered male and female voters in England, Ireland, and Scotland, respectively; and the numbers of military voters and voters on the absent voters' list?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Walsh)

I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given to his question on the 17th October. The materials for the Return there mentioned are not yet fully completed; but on an estimate derived from the returns received in respect of upwards of 70 per cent. of England and Wales, the number of male electors for those countries may be expected to be in round figures ten millions, and of female electors seven millions, and of naval and military voters three and a half millions. The question as to the figures for Scotland and Ireland should be addressed to the Scottish and Irish Offices.

Sir W. DICKINSON

When will the hon. Gentleman be in possession of information that will give him the full electorate over the whole country?

Mr. WALSH

That is rather difficult to say, because, of course, the absent voters' lists will be in process of compilation up to the day of nomination, but as far as the figures are available, they are already given.

Mr. WHITEHOUSE

Does the hon. Gentleman propose to issue a Parliamentary Paper showing the number of electors for each constituency on the printed roll?

Mr. WALSH

That matter will be submitted to my chief.

Mr. KING

Has not a Return already been moved for in this House of these figures, and will it be provided?

Mr. WALSH

That does not arise on this question.