HC Deb 04 October 1944 vol 403 cc938-9
62. Mr. Hug;h Lawson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport, approximately, what percentage of the personnel of the Merchant Navy have now had their names placed on the Register of Parliamentary Electors.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of War Transport (Mr. Noel-Baker)

Every practicable measure has been taken to remind Merchant Navy officers and men that they should complete the declaration cards by which they can ensure the inclusion of their names on the electoral register. In particular, the matter is drawn to their attention by the Superintendents of my Ministry's Mercantile Marine offices, both when they are engaged for service in a ship and when they are discharged. Nevertheless, up to 25th September, the Registrar-General had only received cards from 1,824 officers and men, that is, from about 2½ per cent. of those who are eligible.

Mr. Lawson

What steps is the Minister taking to remedy this very unsatisfactory state of affairs?

Mr. Noel-Baker

We have done everything we can. I will gladly send my hon. Friend the details.

Lieut.-Commander Gurney Braithwaite

Are these cards being distributed through the shipowners, and have the naval control owners of various convoy ports where large numbers of ships are assembled frequently, also been asked to help?

Mr. Noel-Baker

They are distributed to our Mercantile Marine offices through the reserve pools which are run by the shipping federation, through the offices of the societies of officers and men, through our consular offices abroad and in foreign ports, and through the offices of shipping masters in British overseas ports.

Mr. Driberg;

Is the Minister aware that the notices displayed at the marine offices do not indicate that it will be necessary for seamen to fill up these cards, even if they have been registered and have voted before, and that the notices do not convey any sense of urgency or of the importance of the matter at all? Will he have the notices redrafted?

Mr. Noel-Baker

The posters emphasise the fact that if men do not fill up the cards they will not be able to vote.

Mr. Driberg;

No, excuse me, they do not.

Mr. Noel-Baker

I will inquire into the point raised by my hon. Friend. I think it is very important.