HC Deb 25 July 1944 vol 402 cc584-5
46. Sir Douglas Hacking

asked the Prime Minister whether he has now received the Final Report of the Conference on Electoral Reform and Redistribution of Seats presided over by Mr. Speaker; and if he has any statement to make.

Mr. Attlee

Yes, Sir. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister received on 20th July a letter from you, Mr. Speaker, giving the recommendations of the Conference on the last of their terms of reference—namely, conduct and costs of Parliamentary elections, and expenses falling on candidates and Members of Parliament. He is arranging for this report to be presented to Parliament as a Command Paper. Prints will be available shortly. This report completes the work of the Conference; and the Prime Minister welcomes this opportunity of expressing the warm thanks of His Majesty's Government to you, Sir, and to all the members for the prompt way in which the Conference has discharged its task. The resolutions which have been submitted on the many difficult and important questions involved will be of the utmost value.

Sir D. Hacking

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for the compliments he pays to members of the Conference, is he aware that any success that has been achieved by the Conference is very largely due to the tact, courtesy and ability of our Chairman?

Earl Winterton

May I ask my right hon. Friend if he will give consideration to the need for making public at the earliest possible opportunity His Majesty's Government's views on the subject of redistribution, in view of the fact that a number of us are most vitally affected by the matter?

Mr. Attlee

Yes, Sir, we have that very fully in mind.

Mr. Gallacher

When the Report comes before the House, in view of its many serious limitations, will it be in Order to refer it back for reconsideration?