§ 27. Mr. Stokesasked the Home Secretary whether he can now make a statement regarding electoral reform, especially with regard to by-elections in war-time?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI regret that I am still unable to add anything to the reply which my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State gave to the Question on this subject by my bon. Friend the Member for East Birkenhead (Mr. Graham White) on 12th May.
§ Mr. StokesDoes my right hon. Friend recollect that the Prime Minister said that a statement would probably be made before. Easter and that he himself a few weeks ago told me he hoped to make a statement before Whitsuntide?
§ Mr. MorrisonWhat the Prime Minister said was that he might be able to make a statement before Easter, and I said that if I could not make a statement before Whitsuntide, I. should be very disappointed. I hasten to add that I am.
§ Mr. MorrisonI think not. I propose to make a Parliamentary statement in answer to a Question or otherwise, but I cannot commit myself that legislation will be involved. I think that it probably will be, in which case there would be ample opportunity for the House to debate and examine the proposals.