§ 17. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that in cases when through an error no nominations are received to fill a casual vacancy in the office of county councillor, no election can be held until a writ of mandamus has been obtained from the High Court; and whether, in view of the inconvenience and expense of this course, he will introduce legislation to simplify this procedure?
§ Sir H. SAMUELThe point will doubtless be considered by the committee which is dealing with the consolidation and amendment of the law relating to local government, and I propose to await their report.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEIs not the Chelmsford Committee a purely Consolidation Committee, and therefore very restricted in its terms of reference; and could not this matter be dealt with by a one clause Bill which would probably be non-contentious?
§ Sir H. SAMUELI doubt whether it would be advisable to introduce a Bill dealing with this one very small point when there are probably a number of other matters which will require legislative authority. I think that the matter is within the terms of reference of the committee.
§ Mr. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that any law which he may make will prevent a blunder such as they made at Edmonton?
§ 35. Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEasked the Minister of Health whether it is proposed to introduce legislation during the present Session to give effect to the final Report of the Royal Commission on Local Government?
Sir H. YOUNGThe final Report of the Royal Commission contains recommendations on a large variety of subjects. Measures have already been taken to deal with some of them. I cannot undertake to propose further legislation this Session on the recommendations.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEWill the Ministry of Health bear this matter in mind when considering legislation for next Session, as the matter is one of very great importance?
Sir H. YOUNGI should be much interested to learn from my hon. and gallant Friend to which of the recommendations he actually refers?
§ Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTEI will communicate with the right hon. Gentleman.