HC Deb 02 June 1942 vol 380 c525
61. Mr. Mander

asked the Home Secretary what committee is sitting at the present time charged with the duty of formulating a redistribution of Parliamentary seats scheme; how it is constituted; what progress has been made; who has been consulted; and whether questions of electoral reform are also to be considered?

Mr. Peake

The terms of reference and constitution of the Committee on Electoral Machinery were given in a reply by my right hon. Friend to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Harrow (Mr. Bower) on 8th January last. The question of electoral reform is not included in the terms of the reference. I have no knowledge of the procedure adopted by the Committee, which is, of course, free to decide upon the evidence it requires and the sources from which it can be obtained.

Mr. Mander

Does not my hon. Friend think that the time is approaching when a committee should consider the question of electoral reform, as well as that of redistribution?

Mr. Peake

My hon. Friend will, no doubt, be aware of the statement made by the Home Secretary on this matter in the Debate on 23rd October, 1940, to which I am afraid I cannot add at the present time.