HC Deb 15 April 1937 vol 322 cc1171-2
48. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Representation of the People Act, 1918, the principal Act, has been amended by amending Acts passed in 1918, 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922, 1926, 1928, and by the Local Government Acts of 1929 and 1933; and whether he will consider the advisability of consolidating these enactments into one Statute for the convenience of registration officials, candidates for Parliament, election agents, and the public generally, and as a preliminary to possible amendment of the law as regards the distribution of seats?

Sir J. Simon

I will have my hon. Friend's suggestion noted for consideration at a convenient opportunity.

49. Mr. Chorlton

asked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that the Consolidated Representation of the People Order S.R. and O. No. 1813 /1918, commonly referred to as R.P. 134, has been considerably amended and altered by subsequent orders, notably R.P. 142 and S.R. and O. 169/1935; and whether, for the convenience of registration officers and election agents in particular and of the public generally, he will have this R.P. Order brought up to date by a further consolidated issue?

Sir J. Simon

I am aware that the Representation of the People Order has been amended on several occasions since 1927, but I am not aware that any inconvenience has been caused by reason of the absence of a Consolidating Order.