§ 17. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Secretary of State for 'War why permission was granted for a candidate in the recent municipal elections to enter the barracks at Pontefract; and is it with his approval that soldiers were conveyed from the barracks to the polling booths in cars with non-commissioned officers in charge?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSAs regards the first part of the question, no such permission was granted. As regards the second part, three motor cars were allowed in barracks to pick up those who desired to vote. The voters included sergeants, married non-commissioned officers, and a few men. The motor cars were not in charge of non-commissioned officers.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether the right hon. Gentleman is aware that at least one Tory candidate did make several visits to the barracks; and can he explain whether the motor cars which took these soldiers to vote were cars belonging to the same Tory candidate?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI do not know to whom the cars belonged, but there is nothing objectionable in allowing motor cars to take voters to the poll.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSMay I ask whether cars belonging to the Labour party would have been permitted as well?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON - EVANSCertainly. There is absolutely no distinction between cars belonging to Labour candidates and cars belonging to Tory candidates.