§ 47. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Prime Minister whether he will assure the House that Members of Parliament will be allowed on the introduction of the pro posed Franchise Bill to give a free vote on the question whether 'both sexes should in future have the vote at the age of 25, especially having regard to the con clusions expressed in the recent Report of the Registrar-General that the age of responsibility and prudence appeared to be reached by men and women alike at about the age of 25?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I gave in repy to a similar question by my hon. Friend the Member for Ipswich (Sir J. Ganzoni) on the 27th April last.
§ Sir W. DAVISONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that a vote so cheaply and easily gained is not appreciated, and that not more than 20 per cent. voted in many of the local elections?
§ Mr. SPEAKERI think we had better reserve speeches until we have the Bill.
§ Mr. HARRISArising out of the answer—
§ Mr. SPEAKERNot another speech?
§ Mr. HARRISNo, Sir. Is it not a fact that every hon. Member has the right to vote as he likes on every question before the House?