HC Deb 06 June 1944 vol 400 cc1186-8
14. Mr. Quintin Hogg

asked the Secretary of State for War whether he can give an assurance that all ranks have been informed that unless A.F.B. 2626 is completed, they will not have a vote at the next General Election, whether or not they were on the old register; and on what scale A.F.B. 2626 has been issued to units.

16. Mr. Loverseed

asked the Secretary of State for War what progress has been made with the registration of electors serving in His Majesty's Forces; and what further steps are contemplated in order to ensure the registration of all such electors.

25. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for War what steps have been taken to ensure that facilities for electoral registration are afforded to soldiers Y-listed on account of prolonged stay in hospital.

30. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for War, if he has taken steps, or will take steps, to ascertain approximately what number and percentage of troops both here and overseas have filled in forms respecting the registration of electors.

Sir J. Grigg

In a long reply, which I gave to several hon. Members, on 2nd May, I explained the measures which had been taken, up to that date, to give soldiers effective opportunity to exercise their rights. It was made clear to all ranks that, in order to secure registration, completion of A.F.B. 2626 was necessary, whether or not they were on the old Register. Subsequently, in case full effect had not been given to the original insfruction, a further instruction was issued, on 17th May, calling the attention of commanding officers to the fact that it is their duty to ensure that all ranks are given an opportunity of completing A.F.B. 2626, if they so desire, and receive full assistance to enable them to do so properly. The Army Council Instruction draws attention to the opportunities offered by pay parades to carry out these duties, and to the need, in some circumstances, to hold special parades for the purpose. A.F.B. 2626 has been provided, at home and overseas, on the scale of one per man or woman. Units demand the number they actually require. Personnel in hospital are treated in the same way as personnel in other units. Investigations will be made into any cases where it is alleged that the instructions have not been carried out. Units do not keep a running record of the number of officers and men who have filled up the form. I am trying to get a general impression of the way in which the scheme is going, by inquiries among units. It must, however, be remembered that, between the filling up of the forms and their arrival at the Central National Registration Office, there is a considerable process which is not under the control of the military authorities.

Mr. Hogg

While thanking my right hon. Friend for his very careful reply, might I ask whether he would try to find out, by some means, how many people are in fact registered?

Sir J. Grigg

That is precisely what I undertook to do, in my answer.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that his answer was so careful that he did not attempt to answer my Question. Could he not give some idea of the percentage of troops who have filled in forms?

Sir J. Grigg

As I have said, there is no running record kept, and the percentage is continually changing.

Mr. Sorensen

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a large percentage has not filled up the forms, and that, therefore, only a small percentage is likely to be on the Register? Will he not take some positive action?

Sir J. Grigg

Every conceivable action is taken to make this scheme a success. When I have made inquiries into the position in the different units, I will give the House the results of my inquiries.

Mr. Driberg

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that special facilities are given to men who have been in hospital, perhaps for some months, and thus away from their units, and will he look into the particular cases of which I notified him?

Sir J. Grigg

The hospitals are the units for this purpose. Inquiries are being made into the specific cases which the hon. Member brought to my attention.

Sir Geoffrey Shakespeare

Will my right hon. Friend consider extending the time limit for completion of these forms, in view of the fact that in some regiments only 10 per cent. of the men have completed them?

Sir J. Grigg

Perhaps my hon. Friend will put that question down. I would like to look into that specifically.

Mr. Shinwell

In view of all the trouble experienced in getting the forms to the men, and in getting the men to sign them, would it not be better to remove the distinction between the Forces and civilians, and put the troops automatically on the Register?

Sir J. Grigg

This House took a decision in the contrary sense.

Mr. Shinwell

When did the House take such a decision?

Mr. McGovern

Will the right hon. Gentleman not see that every man of the proper age is placed on the Register?

Sir J. Grigg

The House legislated in a contrary sense.

Mr. Shinwell

When did the House legislate to deprive men in the Forces of the right to get on the Register?

Sir J. Grigg

It laid down the procedure by which the men could get on the Register. As the men in the Forces have to appoint proxies, there cannot be automatic registration.

Mr. Molson

Will my right hon. Friend consider introducing new legislation if the present legislation is unsatisfactory?

Sir J. Grigg

That question had better be addressed to the Home Secretary.