HC Deb 24 July 1952 vol 504 cc742-3
30. Mr. Donnelly

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Pembrokeshire County Council regarding redistribution of constituencies for the Haverfordwest Rural District Council, in view of the fact that the Parish of St. Elvis has two electors, Cathedral Close, St. Davids, 13 electors, Llanreithan 32 electors and Llangwm 771 electors, each returning one member to the rural district council.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir David Maxwell Fyfe)

None, Sir, nor have I any powers in this matter. The division of a rural district into areas for the election of rural district councillors rests with the county council alone.

Mr. Donnelly

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what happens if one of these two electors in the St. Elvis ward dies, because nobody can be nominated unless he has two people to propose him?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

I am sorry that my prophetic powers do not extend to forecasting what the county council would do.

Mr. Donnelly

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider inquiring into the matter with the county council with a view to removing these archaic anomalies?

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

If the hon. Gentleman can make any suggestions, I shall be glad to consider them and to pass them on.