§ 28. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the penalty for impersonation when voting is unnecessarily harsh; and if he will introduce amending legislation which will ensure that for a first offence the punishment shall be limited to a fine.
§ Brigadier MedlicottAs millions of people did not bother to vote at all, is it not a little hard that misplaced enthusiasm should be so heavily punished? Furthermore, is the Minister aware that the punishments for these offences have varied enormously from a fine of £5 to three months' imprisonment? Is it not unsatis- 1346 factory that there should be such heavy punishment for what must, in essence, be the same offence?
§ Mr. EdeI regret that any Member of this House should regard impersonation as a matter for jest. To call personation misplaced enthusiasm is thoroughly to delude the public about the nature of this offence. The courts have a discretion, and even these offences vary in turpitude, so I think it wise to leave a discretion but still to leave the maximum penalty sufficient to indicate the opinion of this House about this offence.
§ Brigadier MedlicottIs the Minister not aware that there is feeling that it cannot be just that an offence which must, in essence, be the same—[HON. MEMBERS: "No"]—is capable of bringing upon the offender either a light fine or else quite a heavy sentence of imprisonment?
§ Mr. EdeThere is feeling about that with regard to every offence, especially on the part of those who are convicted and suffer the maximum penalty.