§ 22. Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDasked the Home Secretary whether, with a view to increasing the representative character of British parliamentary elections by increasing the average percentage of the electorate polling, he has considered the proposal to which his attention has lately been drawn for the amendment of the Representation of the People Acts to give the elector the option of voting by post or in person; and whether he has reached a conclusion on the matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI have considered the proposal to which my hon. Friend has drawn my attention and I am not prepared to introduce legislation on the lines suggested.
§ Captain CUNNINGHAM-REIDIn the event of my being able to give the right hon. Gentleman some evidence of the benefits of this form of voting, will he be so kind as to reconsider the matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI am always ready to consider anything which any hon. Member chooses to bring before me.
§ Mr. THORNEIs not the easiest way of getting people to vote at elections to persuade local authorities to have more polling stations?
§ Mr. SUMMERSBYIs it not a case that it is not always easy for some people to enter polling stations.