§ 64. Colonel Sir H. NORRISasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he can state the cost on public funds of the following elections held in London every three years, namely, the 2036 London County Council, the guardians, and the borough councils, held respectively in March, April, and November; whether a saving of public funds and the time of the electors would be effected by holding all three elections on one and the same day; and if he will take the necessary steps to institute this reform at the next series of elections?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Major Astor)The expenses charged on the local rates of conducting local elections in London in 1912–13, the last year for which complete particulars are available, were, I understand, as follows:—
As the elections are not held for identical areas, I am afraid there would be some difficulty in holding them together, and my right hon. Friend cannot undertake at present to propose legislation on the subject.
£ London County Council 11,025 Guardians 5,994 Metropolitan Borough Councils 11,956