§ 40. Sir Geoffrey Manderasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action it is proposed to take with reference to the Interim Report of the Committee on Electoral Law Reform, Cmd. 6606.
§ 41. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government propose to introduce legislation to carry out the recommendations of the Interim Report of the Committee on Electoral Law Reform and any of the proposals for reducing the cost of elections put forward by the Speaker's Conference.
§ Mr. H. MorrisonThese matters are under consideration. I am not at the moment able to make any statement with regard to them.
§ Major Sir Derrick GunstonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, unless we have legislation, there is a danger of the coming election being fought on the old system, which may make it difficult for men without the backing of big funds to stand for Parliament?
§ Mr. MorrisonI am giving the matter consideration and, if possible, legislation 1972 will be passed before the election; but I am not an authority on that matter particularly.
§ Professor SavoryIs the right hon. Gentleman giving consideration to the unanimous recommendation of the Speaker's Conference for the extension of the university franchise to all graduates? It is extremely important that legislation should be passed before the General Election.
§ Mr. MorrisonThe hon. Member may be sure that any recommendation of the Speaker's Conference will receive the most serious consideration of the Government.