§ 51. Sir J. BUTCHERasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that it has been decided by a County Court judge that a soldier under the age of twenty-one who was placed on the register of voters under the Representation of the People Act, 1918, ceases to be qualified as a voter the moment he is discharged from the Army unless he has attained the age of twenty-one; and whether, in view of the intention of Parliament when this Act was passed, he will introduce legislation at once to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I am not aware, however, that registration officers generally are refusing to place on the register cases of the kind referred to, and I am advised that there is no reason why they should so refuse. In these circumstances, and in view of the well-known intention of Parliament that such men should have the franchise, I hardly think that legislation is needed.
§ Sir J. BUTCHERWill the person concerned in the preparation of the register be instructed to place these soldiers on the register?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hope is that this clear statement of the way the Government interpret the Act will prevent trouble arising.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-H1CKSDoes not my right hon. Friend see that he is asking officials of the Government to break the law?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWMy hon. Friend is a lawyer, and I am not, but I think he is mistaken. I think the County Court judge's decision applies only to the particular area.
§ Sir R. COOPERShould not the Government take steps to test the matter?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI agree if it is necessary I think we should. I hope it will not be.
Sir F. HALLMay it not be that the County Court judge will decide in some boroughs that a man of twenty-one who has been in the Army will be on the register and in others he will not? Is it not advisable that the Government should make absolutely plain what is to be the position?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe answer I have given amounts to this, that we hope it will not be necessary, and that they will get the vote without it. It is really a question of Parliamentary time.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSWill the right hon. Gentleman consult the Law Officers as to appealing against the County Court decision?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI do not think there is anything to appeal against, unless it is taken as a question to the Higher Court, and I do not know that can be done. I shall consult the law officials.