§ 43. Mr. HOGGEasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that in cases where a man on the Parliamentary register who is also on the local government register dies leaving a widow who at that time is qualified as a Parliamentary elector in respect of her husband's occupation, registration officers are leaving off the new register the name of the widow, though she continues in occupation of the same premises without any break; whether such a course is necessary under the Representation of the People Act, 1918; whether the Bill now before Parliament provides for the remedy of this anomaly; and, if so, whether the Government will grant all possible facilities for its early passage into law?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Dr. Addison)I have been asked to reply to this question. I have no power to express an authoritative opinion on the point, and I have no information as to the course followed by registration officers in such cases. Under the Bill referred to a woman would be entitled to be registered as a Parliamentary elector in respect of her own residence, and no similar doubt would arise.
§ Mr. HOGGEDoes my right hon. Friend know that a vast number of the widows of discharged men have been left off the register on this account in the present courts?
§ Dr. ADDISONWe have no information to that effect. If my hon. Friend will supply me with information I will have any cases looked into.