HC Deb 21 April 1948 vol 449 cc1898-9
Mr. Grimston

I beg to move, in page 66, line 31, at the end, to insert: the expression 'special list' means a record kept or to be kept under the provisions of subsection (4) of section nine, subsection (7) of section ten or subsection (8) of section eleven of this Act. The term "special list" is used in the Bill to signify the list of absent voters, proxies and their appointers and postal proxy voters, which, under the Subsection quoted, has to be kept separately by the registration officer. The expression, where it first occurs in Clause 32 and subsequently, is not defined, and its meaning we can only get by inference. This is really a drafting point, but it seems to me that, in the interests of good drafting, a definition such as is set out in the Amendment, is required.

Mr. Ede

I think the definition in the Bill is the correct one. The "special lists" are not those mentioned in the provisions referred to in the Amendment, but lists mentioned, and in effect defined, in paragraph 15 of Part II of the Third Schedule; that is, the absent voters' list, the list of proxies and the postal proxy list. No definition beyond that is necessary; nor, indeed, is it accurate.

8.0 p.m.

Mr. Grimston

I am obliged to the right hon. Gentleman. I think that explains the position and, therefore, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the Amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

Mr. Younger

I beg to move, in page 66, line 39, after "borough," to insert "metropolitan borough."

This is a drafting Amendment similar to the Amendments which have already been made in Clauses 63 and 64.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.