§ 37. Sir RENNELL RODDasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that in cases where Members of Parliament, parliamentary candidates, and their wives do not reside in the constituencies contested at elections their admissibility to be placed upon the absent voters list for the constituency in which they do reside is at present the subject of varying decisions by the registration officers in different districts; and if he will consider an amendment of the existing law which would more clearly define the connotation in this respect of the terms occupation, service, or employment in Schedule I (16) of the Representation of the People Act, 1918?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir Herbert Samuel)I am aware that in some constituencies claims of Members of Parliament and Parliamentary candidates to be placed on the absent voters' list in the constituency in which they reside have been admitted by Registration Officers, but the great, majority of Registration Officers, I understand, have disallowed such claims. I am afraid I can hold out no prospect of legislation being introduced to settle the doubt which appears to exist as to the construction of the statute, but the point is one which can be brought before the courts on an appeal from the refusal of a Registration Officer to allow a claim.
§ Mr. W. THORNEIf there is union in the Cabinet why cannot the Government bring in legislation?
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSAre Members of Parliament to have no voice at all in the government of the country?