§ 42. Mr. Cocksasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what proposals have been made by the Greek Government to revise the electoral registers; which of these proposals have been refused ratification by the Regent; and whether His Majesty's Government have been consulted in the matter.
§ Mr. BevinThe Greek Government drafted a law last January which, provided for an extension of the period for registration, for a complete revision of the electoral lists so far compiled, and for a further period after this scrutiny for the hearing of complaints and objections. The Regent declined to ratify this law on the ground that it would have made inevitable a postponement of the elections beyond 31st March. His Majesty's Government were not consulted in the matter.
All my information suggests that no major revision of the electoral lists is required. The lists were open for registration until 10th February, and there has been ample time and opportunity for checking the lists and investigating complaints. The Allied Mission of Observers are now carrying out a final scrutiny of the lists and any irregularities which they discover are being brought to the attention of the Greek authorities.
§ Mr. CocksDo I understand that the Regent refused ratification on his own, without any advice from the British Government?
§ Sir Henry Morris-JonesIs it not the case that in most countries in Europe there is no electoral list, and that only one form of candidate is allowed?