HC Deb 07 March 1946 vol 420 c189
35. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the polling clerk and staffs at polling stations, in county council and local authority elections, who do not reside in the area covered by the polling station at which they are officiating, are prevented from recording their votes; and if he will take steps to remedy this.

Mr. Ede

I understand that this matter will be considered by the Committee on Electoral Law Reform, of which Counsel to Mr. Speaker is Chairman.

Sir W. Smithers

Will the right hon. Gentleman bring to the notice of the Committee that, if it is not possible for men so engaged to vote at their own polling stations, arrangements should be made for them to vote at polling stations elsewhere?

Mr. Ede

I will see that that is brought to the notice of the Committee.

Mr. Bowles

May I ask whether my right hon. Friend is really quite right? Surely, the Chairman of the Committee is the Parliamentary Under-Secretary to the Home Office and not Mr. Speaker.