§ 62. Mr. HOUSTONasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposes to raise the rate of postage on printed matter, and that if this proposal is carried out it is equivalent to a reduction in the scale of a candidate's maximum election expenses as provided by the Representation of the People Act, 1918; whether he is aware that for municipal elections the proposed increased postage will absorb about three-fourths of the maximum expenditure allowed, leaving a candidate with only one halfpenny or thereabouts per elector for all other expenditure; and whether he will provide that the maximum scale of a candidate's expenditure will be increased to cover the increased postage charge?
§ Dr. ADDISONAs regards the first part of the question, I may refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 27th instant to the hon. and gallant Member for Rusholme with 1226 reference to the expenses of candidates at Parliamentary elections. As regards municipal elections, legislation would be necessary to increase the maximum scale of expenditure; and it would, I think, be premature to consider any such legislation at the present time.
§ Mr. HOUSTONWill my right hon. Friend, in considering this question, bear in mind that two postages are absolutely necessary in municipal elections?