§ 51. Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Minister of Health whether he will consider the advisability of preparing the lists and registers of elections annually, in view of the heavy cost of preparing the same?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have been asked to reply to this question. I am sending the hon. Member copies of previous replies to questions on this subject, from which it will be seen that the matter is already under consideration.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEI am much obliged to the right hon. Gentleman for sending the reply. Can he say when the consideration will become a conclusion?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am afraid I cannot do that.
§ Lieut.-Colonel POWNALLHas not the matter been under consideration for 16 months?
§ Mr. SHORTTYes, but we have not been able to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
§ Mr. D. HERBERTWill the House be allowed to decide the question by a free vote in the event of an Amendment to the effect suggested being put down to the Representation of the People Bill?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe House can always decide as it wishes without reference to the Government.