§ 80. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number and names of the local authorities which now have powers to extend the close of polling hours for local government elections from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; whether these powers are widely used; and whether he will consider making these powers general at the first convenient opportunity?
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)At elections of county councillors for London, of metropolitan borough councillors and of councillors of the borough of Barking, the hours of poll must be extended till nine in the evening, if a requisite number of candidates notify the returning officer that they desire such extension. My right hon. Friend understands that the powers in question have been widely used, but he can make no statement with regard to the prospect of legislation to extend them to the country generally.