HC Deb 28 July 1942 vol 382 cc331-2
75. Miss Cazalet

asked the Home Secretary whether he is yet in a position to make a statement with regard to granting the same facilities for voting to women serving in His Majesty's Forces as those already granted to men?

Mr. Peake

Examination of the legal technicalities has shown that the question whether the existing law as to registration of absent voters covers all the classes of women in question is not free from doubt. It is important to remove such doubt without delay and consideration is being given to the quickest method of making the necessary amendment of the law so as to make it clear that the same facilities are available for women members of the Forces as are available for men.

Miss Cazalet

Is my hon. Friend aware of the satisfaction with which his answer will be received among all members of the women's Services? May I ask, in view of the very long time it has taken to make this very easy decision, whether the necessary alterations in the law will be made before the Recess?

Mr. Peake

I can assure my hon. Friend that the alterations will be made at the earliest possible moment, and that the Home Office will not rest until this grievance has been remedied.