§ 13. Sir Hugh O'Neillasked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a 2230 statement about the redistribution of seats for Parliamentary elections?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI regret that I am not yet able to announce the Government's decision on this matter.
§ Sir H. O'NeillIn view of the fact that there is bound to be a General Election soon after the end of hostilities and that maldistribution at present exists, is it the intention of the Government to carry through some redistribution of seats, in time for that election?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think it will be best for my right hon. Friend to await the statement that I shall make. I shall make it as soon as I can.
§ Mr. ShinwellI presume that my right hon. Friend intends that the House shall have an opportunity of discussing the Government's plan?
§ Mr. MorrisonCertainly.
§ Mr. ManderWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the maldistribution which now exists will be still further distributed after the end of the war?
§ Mr. MorrisonThat is one of the complications. I am not sure when we shall reach normality in this matter.
§ Sir Waldron SmithersIn any negotiations or plans for the redistribution of seats, will the sitting Members be consulted?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is a long time since there was a redistribution, but my recollection is that sitting Members and the agents of the various political parties did find avenues through which to make known their views.
§ Sir H. O'NeillWhatever proposals the Government make, will they be embodied in the Bill which is to be introduced dealing with registration?
§ Mr. MorrisonIt is not yet certain whether they will be embodied in that Bill or in a separate Bill.
§ Mr. SorensenMay I ask whether the double representation of Ulster will be reconsidered?