§ 62. Commander Nobleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will examine the existing machinery for preparing the Electoral Register; and whether he will arrange for the continuance of B.B.C. broadcasts and newspaper publicity during the period when the lists are open for inspection, in order to remind electors to ensure that their names are included in view of the forthcoming local government elections.
§ Mr. EdeI will consider what steps are practicable in existing circumstances to examine the machinery for electoral registration. With regard to publicity I am grateful for the co-operation which has been shown by the B.B.C. and the Press and which will, I am sure, be maintained as effectively as in recent weeks. The B.B.C. announcements as to the need to inspect the electors' lists will be continued for the present and Electoral Registration Officers have instructions to insert appropriate advertisements in the local Press in the constituencies concerned.
§ Mr. R. S. HudsonMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will endeavour to see that these lists are made available for inspection, instead of only one copy being available at the central registry of the different constituencies?
§ Mr. EdeI will look into' that matter. We are exceedingly anxious that these registers should be available for inspection conveniently, and that persons who desire to see whether they have been registered shall be able to ascertain it with as little trouble as possible.
§ Mr. Frank AndersonMay I ask what machinery is in operation so that the Service men as well may see that they are on the register?
§ Mr. HudsonWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the position in the area where this honourable House is situated, because he will find that a copy of the list is not available?
§ Mr. EdeI will certainly look into that specific case. With regard to the question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Whitehaven (Mr. Anderson), it is difficult to see how one can ensure that people serving in the Far East who wish to do so can see a list which is to be published in this country, and is available for inspection for so limited a time. We are taking every step we can to ensure that the registration arrangements, which were admittedly faulty for the last Election, will be improved on this occasion.
§ Mr. AndersonIs it not possible for this register to be sent out to the various commands, so that Service men can see whether they are on it or not?
§ Mr. EdeIf they were sent out it would be almost impossible for a claim to be received in this country in time.