HC Deb 06 December 1951 vol 494 cc2542-3
21. Mr. E. H. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that, although the right to vote by post is not restricted to persons in the United Kingdom, an applicant for this right has to name an address in the United Kingdom to which a ballot paper is to be sent; and whether, to save the delay entailed by redirection from such address to a place of residence abroad, he will propose that the law shall be altered.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I doubt whether any general scheme for voting by post from abroad would be practicable. Certain classes of absent voters who may be abroad at the time of an election are, however, entitled to vote by proxy. The question whether this right should be extended, or any other changes made, will be considered if an opportunity arises for amending legislation.

Mr. Keeling

I am much obliged.

22. Mr. Keeling

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the form of application to vote by post owing to change of residence implies without statutory authority that the new address of residence is in the United Kingdom; and whether he will alter the form.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The form will be altered at the next printing.