HC Deb 19 October 1949 vol 468 cc553-4
50. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchison

asked the Minister of Defence what steps he is taking to ensure that Service men in each of the Services who failed to complete a fresh Service declaration on Form J before 10th June, 1949, and are consequently disfranchised at present, may still complete the Service declaration up to 1st December, 1949, for the spring of 1950 register.

Mr. Alexander

The widest publicity has been given throughout the Services to the qualifying dates for the spring Electoral Register, which are, for Northern Ireland, 31st October, for England and Wales, 20th November, and for Scotland, 1st December. All facilities have been provided for Service men and, overseas, for their wives as well to complete the necessary declaration, and every encouragement has been given to them to do so.

Colonel Hutchison

In view of the fact that on the previous date when it was possible to register many Service men in fact did not register, and consequently at the moment are disfranchised, would the right hon. Gentleman see that the whole point is clarified this month in unit orders?

Mr. Alexander

It has already been included in all the unit routine orders, in addition to which separate broadcasts and pamphlets have been issued.

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