HC Deb 10 April 1933 vol 276 cc2174-5
40. Mr. HUTCHISON

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that at the recent council election of the Crayford District Council two candidates tied with 975 votes each, and that after two recounts it was decided to settle the issue by cutting a, pack of cards; and if he will take steps to prevent similar happenings in future?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Rule 20 of the Urban District Councillors Election Rules, 1931, provides that in the event of an equality of votes between candidates, the returning officer, if he is not a local government elector for the area or if he is not willing to vote, shall determine by lot which of the candidates is to be elected, and I see no reason to think that there has been any breach of the law in this case.

Mr. REMER

In view of similar cases that have happened in other parts of the country, will the right hon. Gentleman make clearer rules so that the returning officers may know what to do?