§ 83. Mr. Emeryasked the Home Secretary whether he can make a statement as to the policy of the Government in relation to local government elections during the war?
§ Sir J. AndersonHis Majesty's Government consider that local government elections should be suspended until hostilities are over and an early opportunity will be taken of submitting the necessary legislation to Parliament.
§ Mr. ManderWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the possibility of dealing with this matter on the same lines as Parliamentary by-elections, that is, to have no contests by consent, and thus obviate the necessity for any legislation?
§ Sir J. AndersonI do not think the matter is quite as simple as that. There is a useful precedent from the last war.
§ Mr. MaxtonWill the right hon. Gentleman inform the House when there was agreement by all sections of this House that Parliamentary elections should be suspended?
§ Sir J. NallWill this legislation be introduced before the borough elections in November?
§ Sir J. AndersonThat will be necessary, if it is to serve its purpose.