20. Dr. VERNON DAVIESasked the Secretary of State for War what provision will be made for Territorials who may be in camp at the date of the Election for recording their votes; and what opportunity will be given them to hear the policy of the different political parties before doing so?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Sir Laming Worthington-Evans)Territorials who may be in camp during the Election may be placed on the absent voters' list or may be granted leave from camp for the purpose of recording their votes. Full instructions will be issued in due course. As regards the last part of the question, no opportunity can be given while in camp.
Dr. DAVIESCan my right hon. Friend say whether the individual soldier will have to make his own application to be put on the absent voters' list or will an order be given to the battalion?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSIf the individual soldier wants leave, he must apply for it.
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSNo, not necessarily before he goes to camp. As regards the absent voters' list, instructions will be given so that probably soldiers can make application.
§ Mr. TAYLORCan the right hon. Gentleman say what is the latest date on which application can be made to be put on the absent voters' list in connection with the next Election?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am afraid I cannot. I will have instructions issued at an early date—as soon as they can be got ready.
§ Mr. TAYLORIs it not already too late?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI believe that it is not too late for the absent voters' list.
§ Mr. WESTWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether leave of absence will be granted to these Territorials for 30th May?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am afraid that I did not catch that question.
§ Mr. WESTWOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether leave of absence will be granted to these Territorials for the purpose of casting their votes on that date?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSWhatever the date is, they will get their leave.
Dr. DAVIESWill my right hon. Friend say, if it is too late at the present time to be included in the absent voters' list, that special facilities will be offered to these men to be put on that list considering that they are doing a national service by going to camp?
§ Sir L. WORTHINGTON-EVANSI am surprised to hear that it is thought to be too late to go on to the absent voters' list. There is some provision with regard to serving soldiers, and that is the provision which it is intended to put into operation. I will see that particulars are published as quickly as possible.