HC Deb 05 February 1934 vol 285 c798
46. Captain ARTHUR HOPE

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great changes in population since the last Redistribution Act in 1918, he proposes to introduce a Redistribution of Constituencies Bill?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Douglas Hacking)

I have been asked to reply. I am aware of the existence of some anomalies due to changes in population, but the present would not appear to be a convenient time for the introduction of a measure of redistribution.

Captain HOPE

Surely it would be more opportune to deal with this matter during the longer Parliamentary life of the present Parliament than in a new Parliament, when life may perhaps be more hectic?

Mr. HAMMERSLEY

Is the Under-Secretary also aware of the anomaly existing in respect of two-Member constituencies, and that in a unanimous report of the committee dealing with this matter they said that these two-Member constituencies should be done away with. Would he look, therefore, with favourable consideration on the introduction of a Bill dealing with the matter?

Mr. HACKING

I am aware of that fact, and also of the fact that there are many other anomalies with which it is difficult to deal.