§ 45. Mr. Rentonasked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware that British Service personnel in the Western Zone of Germany were, in many cases, prevented from exercising their votes in the recent General Election owing to the inefficiency of the machinery for the recording of their votes by proxy; what inquiries he has made into this matter and with what result; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of Defence (Mr. Shinwell)I am not aware of any general defect in the arrangements, but the hon. Member, since putting down the Question, has sent me particulars of one case in which it would seem the man concerned was late in making his application.
§ Mr. RentonIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that what happened was that in my absence my secretary was approached for this information, and that I have had information about other and similar cases as well? It appears that although the formalities were completed in good time the proxies were not appointed until three weeks after the 1957 General Election? Would he not agree that it is very irksome to people who are serving their country to be frustrated in the exercise of their democratic rights, and will he make quite sure that the system is completely efficient in good time before the next General Election?
§ Mr. ShinwellIf the hon. Gentleman has knowledge of a series of cases, perhaps he will be good enough to let me have them. Most elaborate arrangements were made to see that the registration proceedings were made known to the men in the Services. Nevertheless, the numbers of those who completed the declarations—and all were made aware of the position in time to be included in the autumn register—amounted only to 331 per cent. of those eligible. Even for the spring, 1950, register, on which any election in the next 12 months may be held, the figure still appears to be less than 50 per cent. We have done everything possible, but we cannot compel them to take the appropriate action.