§ 47 and 48. Major MORRISON-BELLasked the Prime Minister, (1) if he is now prepared to make an alteration in the procedure of elections whereby the long delay between the polling and the counting of the votes can be eliminated;
(2) if the intentions of the Representation of the People Act as regards absent voters would be fulfilled if an opportunity of filling up a proxy was offered to each member of His Majesty's forces on going abroad on duty for any length of time?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWThe various Government Departments concerned are now considering this question and will report immediately. I cannot therefore make any statement to-day, but I hope to be able to do so by the end of next week.
§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYWill the right hon. Gentleman consider making an exception in such a case as the Wrekin Division of Shropshire, where, apart from the Absent Voters' List, the result has always been a foregone conclusion?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI cannot accept the statement of fact in the last part of the question. I do not think it is possible to make exceptions. We must have one rule.
§ Colonel GREIGWill any other suggestions which have been made in connection with an amendment, of the Representation of the people Act be considered so that the whole can be dealt with together in one amending measure?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me know what especially he refers to I will consider it, but my impression is that this change can be made without legislation.