§ 38. Mr. A. HERBERTasked the Minister of Health approximately what is the increased cost thrown on the rates by the requirements of the Representation of the People Act?
§ Sir J. BAIRDMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply. The increase for 1920–1921 in England and Wales, as compared with 1913–1914, was approximately £250,000. In future, as a result of certain changes introduced last year, it should not much exceed £100,000. It will be borne in mind that half the cost of registration is now borne by the Exchequer. On the other hand, the work of registration under the new Act is vastly greater than it was, and the cost of everything much heavier.
Sir F. HALLDoes the Government not think that this sum of £250,000, which is eventually to become £100,000, might be considerably reduced, if an Amending Act were passed to do away with the necessity for continually conducting this registration?