§ 57. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now aware that an instruction has been given to the presiding officers at the next Scottish Universities election to prevent Parliamentary agents from finding out how individual electors recorded their votes; whether he can state the name of the individual issuing the said instruction; whether he has in view the statutory method of postal voting at such elections and the statutory rights of candidates and their agents to be present and object to the validity of any voting paper; what action he proposes to take in regard to such instruction; and whether the Government have any proposals to make regarding the University Parliamentary Franchise?
Mr. WedderburnAs regards the first part of the question, my right hon. Friend has made further inquiry and finds that no such instruction has been given. As regards the remainder of the question, I would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply to his question of 13th July.
§ Mr. GibsonHave the Scottish Office through the proper channels examined the minutes of the General Council of St. Andrews University held on 26th June?
Mr. WedderburnI do not think that we have examined the minutes but we have inquired of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and he informs me that he did not receive any such instruction.
§ Mr. GibsonIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the well-informed "Scotsman" had a detailed account in the report of the meeting, showing that such an instruction was given?