§ 47. Captain Swinglerasked the Prime Minister what special instructions he has 888 issued to the Service Departments to ensure that all serving officers and men who are entitled to vote at elections are included on future registers for that purpose.
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that the Service Departments have already issued a series of instructions explaining to all officers and men how to get their names on the Service Register. A further instruction is being issued reminding all concerned of the importance of early registration in order that their names may appear on the supplementary register provided for in Clause 4 of the Elections and Jurors Bill now before Parliament.
§ Captain SwinglerIs the Prime Minister aware of the great dissatisfaction in the Forces with the working of this system, and will he consider proposals for amending its operation?
§ The Prime MinisterI am aware that there was some dissatisfaction last time. I expressed it myself when I came home. Care will be taken to see that all officers and men are informed.
§ Sir R. RossIs the Prime Minister aware that in the municipal elections they got on the register through having civilian voting cards, but that officers and men who obtained permission to sleep out on Service ration cards did not get any vote at all unless they registered?
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Member has a question of that kind involving detail, perhaps he would put it down to the appropriate Service Minister.
§ Major WyattWhy cannot serving officers and men automatically be placed on the register?
§ The Prime MinisterThat is another question