HC Deb 11 April 1922 vol 153 c216
27. Lieut.-Colonel POWNALL

asked the Home Secretary what will be the approximate saving to local authorities, apart from the saving to the national Exchequer, if one register, instead of two, was made annually?

Mr. SHORTT

As I stated in reply to the hon. and gallant Member on the 1st March, the yearly saving which would result on having an annual register only is estimated approximately at £250,000 in all. As the expense of registration is shared equally by the Exchequer and the rates, the approximate saving to local authorities would accordingly be £125,000 per annum.

Mr. W. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, if we have only one register per annum, it will mean the disfranchisement of very large numbers of men and women?