HC Deb 05 December 1950 vol 482 cc186-7
25. Mr. Gilzean

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce legislation to ensure that motor cars, used in municipal elections, are subject to the same regulations and limitations as obtain in Parliamentary elections.

Mr. McNeil

This matter was fully considered in connection with the Representation of the People Act, 1948, and I see no prospect of legislation to alter the decision then reached.

Mr. Gilzean

Is my right hon. Friend aware that in the case of the large cities, the polling places are always the same and the voting register is the same? Is there any logic in allowing the use of cars to be limited in the case of Parliamentary elections and not in the case of municipal elections? Furthermore, is my right hon. Friend aware that in the municipal elections in large cities there is a high concentration of cars in working class areas and in the closing hours of the voting?

Mr. McNeil

I greatly dislike having to disagree with my hon. Friend, but this subject was very fully argued out during the Committee stage of the Measure, and I think that the reasons then given for not proceeding with a certain Amendment are still valid.

Mr. Gilzean

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I give notice that I shall raise the matter again.