HC Deb 15 February 1945 vol 408 cc380-1
22. Mr. Salt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in preparation for the municipal elections which are to take place in November next, he is prepared to take steps to secure the temporary release of men in the Services who are councillors due to retire to enable them to seek re-election.

Mr. H. Morrison

I understand that this matter, which obviously presents substantial difficulties, is under consideration by the Service Departments, but I am not at present in a position to make any statement.

Mr. Salt

If it is impossible for councillors to return to fight an election, may they retain their seats without re-election?

Mr. Morrison

Under the Representation of the People Bill, now reaching its last stages, their qualification to stand again is preserved, but I do not think I could preserve their actual membership of the council if they were otherwise required to stand for election.

Mr. Guy

Will the Government give serious consideration to this question, as representatives of local government bodies are just as important as other representatives?

Mr. Morrison

They are much more numerous, which makes the problem more difficult. I said that the Service Departments are considering it, but I do not want the House to feel too optimistic about it.