36. Captain TERRELLasked the Prime Minister whether many soldiers demobilised from the Army are very disappointed that, while they possess the Parliamentary vote, they are not qualified to vote in Local Government Board elections; and whether he will introduce legislation to give these men the local government franchise?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the LOCAL GOVERNMENT BOARD (Major Astor)I have been asked to reply to the question of the hon. and gallant Member. I am aware that some of the demobilised men were not qualified for the first register of Local Government electors, but a certain number of these will be able to qualify for the second register, which comes into force on 15th May, and that a further number will be able to do so for the third register. The difficulty in these cases is therefore only temporary, and my right hon. Friend does not think that legislation is necessary.