HC Deb 13 April 1927 vol 205 cc358-60
45. Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

asked the Prime Minister whether he can now state the intentions of the Government with regard to the enfranchisement of women?

The PRIME MINISTER

The Government has given this matter its most careful consideration, and it has decided to introduce a Bill during the next Session for extending the Parliamentary franchise to women of 21 years of age and upwards on the same terms as men.

Colonel GRETTON

On a point of Order. May I ask whether, in the case of an important announcement of this kind, it is not usually given to the House of Commons in the first place, and may I inquire whether any information has been given to the Press before the announcement was made in this House?

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

In thanking the Prime Minister for his reply, may I take it that the Government intend to carry the Bill into Law sufficiently early next Session so as to allow time for the new voters to be put on the next summer register of the year 1928?

The PRIME MINISTER

Yes, but that is rather a difficult matter, technically. I would reply in this way, that, should the life of this Parliament last its normal length, there will be no difficulty in the new voters being able to vote. The only case in which the new voters would not be able to vote would be in the event of any unexpected, shall I say, catastrophe, bringing the life of this Parliament to an end.

Mr. CLYNES

Is there any intention to include in the Bill other features of the franchise than the one named?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am afraid I cannot give any further answer than I have given. The Bill will take some time to prepare. It will not be prepared before the next Session.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

When the right hon. Gentleman refers to the next Session, does he mean the next autumn Session, or the Session of 1928?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the hon. Member reflects for a moment, it will be present to his mind that I hope to bring this Session to a close at the end of July, and the new Session would begin in sufficient time to enable one or two principal Measures of the next Session to be given a Second Reading before Christmas.

Colonel GRETTON

Will the Prime Minister answer my question?

The PRIME MINISTER

No announcement was made that I know of.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is it not true that, when the Prime Minister received a deputation, he stated that it would be possible, even if this Parliament did not last its full time, to bring in a Bill and put these voters on the register so that they could vote in 1928?

Sir ROBERT SANDERS

May I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether, in framing the Bill, he will take into consideration the question of re-drafting the scale of election expenses?

The PRIME MINISTER

It is very early to enter upon the consideration of these points, but I think that is a perfectly fair question, and it is one which I should certainly desire should be discussed.

Vice-Admiral Sir REGINALD HALL

May I ask whether this increase of voters will entail re-distribution?

The PRIME MINISTER

No, Sir.

Captain GARRO-JONES

May I ask the Prime Minister whether he remembers that the Home Secretary has given a specific pledge that these new voters will be added to the register before the next election, and, therefore, if he advises a dissolution before that time it will be tantamount to breaking the pledge of the Home Secretary?