35. Lieut.-Colonel A. MURRAYasked the Home Secretary whether he has received any representations against the proposal to have only one electoral register instead of two; and, if so, will he state the origin and nature of those representations?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Baird)My right hon. Friend understands that both the executive council of the County Councils Association and the Municipal Corporations Association have declared against the system of an annual register. He has also received representations on this matter from various Members of the House, who have requested him to treat their views as confidential. In the circumstances, therefore, I regret that I cannot properly add anything further to the answer given by my right hon. Friend to the question of the hon. and gallant Member for East Lewisham on the 21st instant.
Lieut.-Colonel MURRAYDoes that refer to England only? Have any representations been received against this reform from Scotland?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI am not aware of any except those to which I have just referred.
37. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the Home Secretary whether, by the extended use of supplemental lists in the compilation of two half-yearly registers, the expense of these may be reduced so that their total cost will only slightly exceed that of one annual register on the old lines?
§ Sir J. BAIRDI am considering this expedient, which, if practicable, would, at any rate, substantially reduce the difference in cost between the yearly and half-yearly systems of registration.