§ 30. Mr. Muffasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will remind all public authorities that under the powers given in the 1933 Local Government Act, all candidates at local and parliamentary elections are entitled to the use of schoolrooms in non-provided and provided schools free of charge.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonAs local elections are at present suspended I presume my hon. Friend has Parliamentary elections in mind. The right to use public elementary schools for meetings was given to parliamentary candidates by Section 25 of the Representation of the People Act, 1918. I have no reason to believe that the responsible authorities are unaware of this provision, but if my hon. Friend knows of any instance in which facilities were refused and will let me know, I will make inquiry.
§ Mr. MuffDo I understand my right hon. Friend to say that under the Act of 1918 they are allowed to use these buildings free of charge?
§ Mr. MorrisonMy recollection, as a Parliamentary candidate some years ago, is that it is for one meeting only. That is my recollection, but at any rate it is not under the Act of 1918.
§ Mr. MuffIs it not a fact that, under the Local Government Act of 1933, both for municipal and Parliamentary elections, every candidate has the right to use council schools?
§ Mr. MorrisonI think there is a maximum out-of-pocket charge.