HC Deb 27 November 1947 vol 444 cc2114-5
57. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will include in the Bill dealing with electoral registration a provision for the franchise to be exercised by the wife of a Service voter living with her husband in an overseas station.

Mr. Ede

I would ask the hon. Member to await the introduction of the Bill.

Mr. Keeling

Would the Home Secretary at least agree that, to the extent to which the Serviceman abroad has a vote, it is only fair that his wife should have one, too?

Mr. Ede

No, I would not go as far as that. [HON. MEMBERS: "Why not? "] The hon. Member will have an opportunity of seeing what we have put in the Bill when we produce it.

Mr. Orr-Ewing

When will that be?

Mr. Ede

In due course.