HC Deb 22 March 1945 vol 409 cc971-2
23. Sir G. Arland-Troyte

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will arrange for electors to vote at the nearest polling booth to their residence in order that they may be saved long journeys to record their votes.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Herbert Morrison)

The existing law provides for the appointment of polling places for polling districts in such manner as to give all electors in the constituency such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances, and I am not aware of any general or even widespread demand for facilities on the lines suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Sir G. Arland-Troyte

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many cases where people living half a mile from the nearest polling station have had to go four or five miles to vote? Will he see whether anything can be done to improve this position?

Mr. Morrison

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me have particulars, I will look into those cases.

Mr. Shinwell

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that the trouble is that the Tory Party will not have cars at their disposal at the next election?

Mr. Frankel

Will special arrangements be made in areas where bombing has been extensive and where certain schools that used to be used for this purpose will no longer be available?

Mr. Morrison

That will raise difficulties that will have to be considered.