HC Deb 11 May 1950 vol 475 cc557-8
6. Mr. Keeling

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that instructions issued to hospitals before the General Election were interpreted by them to mean that an expectant mother could not be given a medical certificate to enable her to apply for a postal vote until she became an in-patient; that in consequence some applications were too late; and whether he will revise the instructions he has given.

Mr. Bevan

As I have informed the hon. Member, I am proposing to make this point clear to hospital authorities.

Mr. Keeling

As at least one of my constituents was disfranchised through the instructions issued by the right hon. Gentleman, would it not be rather nice if he authorised me to express to her his regret and apologies?

Mr. Bevan

I do not accept the view that she was disfranchised by my instructions. It was by a too rigid interpretation of the instructions.