§ 46. Mr. STEWARTasked the Prime Minister whether a soldier under the age of twenty-one who was placed on the register of voters under the Representation of the People Act, 1918, is now that he is demobilised deprived of his vote until he has attained the age of twenty-one?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Major Astor)I have been asked to reply to the question of the hon. Member. I am unable to add anything to the reply given to the question on this subject which was put on the 16th April last by the hon. Member for Wednesbury, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. STEWARTCould the hon. and gallant Gentleman say simply "Yes" or "No," because Regulations have been issued showing that these men have been deprived of their votes, and the Representation of the People Act seems to give them this right?
§ Major ASTORIf the hon. Gentlemen will look at the reply to which I have referred him he will see there is some doubt. 1352 My right hon. Friend the Minister of Health has no power to give a ruling on, the interpretation of an Act of Parliament.
§ Mr. STEWARTHas the register been examined? Who has the power, may I ask, to decide the question?
§ Major ASTORIf there is any doubt it must be taken to appeal, either to the County Court or to the Court of Appeal.
§ Mr. STEWARTHow can a young soldier of nineteen pay the expense of going to the Court of Appeal?
An HON. MEMBERWill the hon. Gentleman consider the introduction of legislation to settle this point?
§ Major ASTORI will put that point to my right hon. Friend.
§ Mr. DEVLINHas the hon. and gallant Gentleman asked the opinion of the English Attorney-General on this question, or is he too busy dealing with Ireland?