§ 36. Sir Reginald Blairasked the Home Secretary whether, in order to prevent waste of man-power and paper, he will make an order by regulation that future parliamentary candidates who fail to poll the requisite percentage will forfeit, not £150, but a larger amount?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonNo, Sir.
§ Sir R. BlairWill the Home Secretary do something to damp down the enthusiasm of such candidates at the present time?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs long as by-elections arc permitted it would be wrong for the Government to seek to impose prohibitive conditions upon candidates.
§ Mr. ThorneIs it the fact that any person who is a candidate must poll one-eighth of the votes to avoid forfeiture of the deposit?
§ Mr. MorrisonYes, Sir.
§ Sir William DavisonWill the Home Secretary limit the length of the communications which are addressed to electors, as in many cases they are left lying in heaps behind the door of houses where they have been put through the letterbox?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think that that might be regarded as a valuable suggestion in all elections whether in war or peacetime, but it is a matter in which my Noble Friend the Minister of Supply would be involved as well as myself.
Dr. Russell ThomasWhat does the right hon. Gentleman have in mind when he says, "as long as by-elections are permitted?"
§ Mr. MorrisonThat does not alter the fact.