§ 1 and 2. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) why he has refused the application made under Section 11 (4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1949, of the Central Ayrshire Unionist Association for the provision of polling stations at Loans-Gailes and Barassie Street School;
(2) why he has refused the joint application made under Section 11 (4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1949, by the South Ayrshire Unionist Association and the South Ayrshire Constituency Labour Party for the provision of polling stations at Maidens and Lendalfoot.
§ Mr. OsborneOn a point of order, Mr. Speaker. May I ask for your guidance? The first 44 Questions on the Paper are are addressed to the Secretary of State for Scotland. Can you advise me to which Minister I could address a Question concerning the fact that the English Members are totally debarred from putting their legitimate Questions owing to this abuse of Question time by Scottish Members?
§ Mr. SpeakerEvery Minister's turn comes round in due course. Scotland is entitled to its fair share. On other days Scotland comes last, but today Scotland comes first; and therefore I am afraid there is nothing to be done about it.
§ Mr. OsborneMay I point out that Scottish Members represent only one-tenth of this House and they have already a whole day to themselves on Thursday? Is there nothing we can do about it?
§ Mr. SpeakerScotland is entitled to its fair share.
The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. McNeil)The answer to the Questions is that I regret these applications were too late for any change to be made in time for the recent General Election, but I am considering, along with the returning officer, whether any satisfactory alteration can be made for the future.
§ Sir T. MooreWill my right hon. Friend—I find it easier to address him in those terms—bear in mind that it is the very essence of our democracy that every adult should be encouraged to vote? Therefore, will he provide every reasonable and possible facility to enable that to be done everywhere?
§ Mr. Emrys HughesIs the Minister aware that the first organisation referred to in Question 2 is in a state of liquidation?
§ Major McCallumIs it a fact that where 50 householders get together in one village or hamlet they can have a polling station allowed to them?
§ Mr. ManuelIs the Minister aware, in reference to Question 1, that the Central Ayrshire Constituency Labour Party have also made representations for the provision of polling stations, and will he consider the joint representations?