HC Deb 12 March 1929 vol 226 cc964-5
17. Mr. JOHNSTON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is no polling station in the island of Colonsay, and that the electors, in order to exercise their franchise rights, are compelled to make a sea voyage of 15 miles to Portaskaig; that, with the existing steamer service, this means an absence from home for three or four days; and that there is no accommodation at Portaskaig; and whether, as the electors have made a petition for a polling station in Colonsay, he can take any steps to ensure that the electors' rights to the franchise are made effective?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The sheriff, as returning officer, is responsible under statute for appointing polling places for parliamentary elections so as to give electors such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances; and, if the arrangements made by the returning officer are not considered satisfactory, it is open to a local authority, or not less than thirty electors, to represent this to the Lord Advocate. I understand that, with a view to remedying the inconvenience referred to by the hon. Member, the question of providing a polling place on the island of Colonsay has been sympathetically considered by successive sheriffs and Lord Advocates. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1918, however, the date for the poll at a General Election is in all cases the ninth day after the date for the nomination of candidates, and the conditions make it uncertain, and in stormy weather improbable, that the ballot box and voting papers would reach the island before the day of the poll. In these circumstances it has not been found possible to appoint a polling place on the island.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Under these circumstances, will not the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of making every elector in Colonsay a postal voter?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Of course that would require fresh legislation.

Mr. JOHNSTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the sheriffs have power now to put on the list of postal voters those electors who comply with the requisite qualifications in other respects?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I will look into it, but I hardly think it will be possible under the circumstances.