HC Deb 20 July 1939 vol 350 cc716-7
74 and 76. Mr. Sloan

asked the Home Secretary (1) whether, in view of the imminence of a General Election, he will consider amending the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Acts, in order to make illegal the implied intimidation of calling at electors' houses with motor cars and practically forcing them to the polling stations;

(2) whether he will introduce legislation to provide that the premium covering the insurance risk of motor cars conveying electors to the polling stations during elections should be a charge against the candidate's election expenses, and that if it is paid by the owner of the motor car he shall be guilty of an offence against the Corrupt Practices Act?

Mr. Peake

As the hon. Member is no doubt aware, his questions raise controversial issues on which I refrain from any comment since my right hon. Friend is not in a position at the present time to hold out hope of legislation for the amendment of the existing law.

Mr. Sloan

Is the Minister aware that during the recent by-election in South Ayrshire 500 motor cars carried voters to the poll for 13 hours at the rate of 10 voters to the gallon?

Viscountess Astor

Is it not true that you can carry a voter to the poll but cannot make him vote?