§ 46. Mr. H. WILLIAMSasked the Prime Minister whether he will consider the inclusion in the forthcoming Repre- 30 sentation of the People Bill of a reduction in the expenditure which candidates may incur per elector, so as to avoid the large increase in expenditure which will otherwise arise as a result of the proposed increase in the electorate?
§ 52. Mr. HARMSWORTHasked the Prime Minister whether the promised Bill to extend women's franchise will contain any other provisions for the reform of the Representation of the People Act, 1918?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt would be premature to make any statement on this subject at present, but the point raised by my hon. Friend the Member for Reading (Mr. H. Williams) will be considered.
§ Mr. ERNEST BROWNIn considering this matter, will the Government take into account the difference between boroughs and counties in regard to rateable valuation?
§ The PRIME MINISTERWe shall try to take all relative points into consideration.
§ Sir HARRY BRITTAINCan the right hon. Gentleman say if this additional expenditure has been foreseen in budgeting for the forthcoming 500 Liberal candidates?
§ Mr. HARMSWORTHWill the proposals be so drafted that hon. Members who wish to move Amendments, such as Amendments relating to the second ballot, will be able to do so?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am afraid I could not answer that question yet. I think, if any question of that kind be raised, it must be done in the form of a New Clause.