§ 40. Mr. Loverseedasked the Secretary of State for War whether, in view of the increasing number of electors who are being conscripted into His Majesty's Forces and are failing to use their votes through ignorance of the procedure for registering as absent voters or, on posting overseas, for giving proxy, he will take immediate steps to ensure that commanding officers instruct all ranks on the procedure to be followed in such matters and to advise them, as their duty as citizens, to do so without delay?
§ Sir J. GriggThe procedure to be followed has already been brought to the attention of all ranks by a notice posted on the notice boards of all units of the Army. The general responsibility of the soldier as a citizen, including the importance of exercising his vote, has been constantly stressed in talks and discussions conducted under the Army Education Scheme.
§ Mr. LoverseedCan the right hon. Gentleman inform me of the approximate date this notice was posted up? Further, is he aware that large numbers of sailors, soldiers and airmen still do not know the procedure to be followed?
§ Sir J. GriggI do not know the exact date it was posted up, but it was some time early this year.