§ 13. Mr. M. BEAUMONTasked the Home Secretary under what circum. stances the agents of political parties are refused copies of the registers of electors; and if he will see to it that all parties receive equal treatment in this respect?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI presume my hon. Friend is referring to the supply of free copies of the register to the recognised agents of political organisations. Registration officers are authorised to make such supplies to the accredited agents of any political party actively engaged in registration work and thereby assisting in the preparation of an accurate registrar. Whether or not such supplies should be made to any particular organisation is a matter for the individual Registration Officer to decide.
§ Mr. BEAUMONTWill the Home Secretary advise these registration officers to be very careful not to discriminate between political parties if evidence of such discrimination is put before him?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, it is not my business to advise.
§ Mr. THORNEIs it not a fact that anyone who chooses to apply to the town clerk of a particular local authority can purchase a copy of the register of electors for a few coppers?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROh, yes, Sir, they can be purchased.
§ Mr. BEAUMONTCan the right hon. Gentleman tell me whose business it is to advise them
§ Sir J. GILMOURThey must be the judge of the circumstances themselves. Any advice which I am asked to give, of course, I give, but I have always understood from my officers that copies of the registers should be supplied by registration officers to the agents of any political parties actually engaged in registration work, and that that is the main consideration.