§ Mr. GULLAND (by Private Notice)asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Local Government Board a question of which I have given him private notice: If he can now inform the House whether free copies of the electoral register can be given to candidates at the ensuing election, and whether the high charges fixed for the copies of the register can be reduced?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Mr. Stephen Walsh)I wish to express my regret that, being accidentally detained 2281 yesterday, I was unable to answer similar questions which the right hon. Gentleman and my hon. Friend the Member for West Cork had then placed upon the Paper. I am pleased to be able to say that, as a result of representations made to the Treasury by my right hon. Friend the late President of the Local Government Board, and by myself, the Treasury have agreed to reduce the charge to 1d. for each hundred names, and, in addition, that one free copy of the register shall be allowed to each duly nominated candidate.
§ Sir W. DICKINSONWill the hon. Gentleman say whether that decision will be retrospective?
§ Mr. WALSHYes. In every case where a candidate has paid for the register that money will be returned—
§ Mr. MARRIOTTAnd the candidates' agents?
§ Mr. WALSHI ought to say that that question is one for the Treasury, but I am aware that such an arrangement is being made.