§ The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:
§ 34. Mr. BENNTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to receive the next report of the Boundary Commissions; and when legislation will be introduced to give effect to its recommendations.
§ Mr. BennMay I draw attention, Sir, to a mistake in the wording of my Question, which is my fault and not that of the Table? Instead of the word "legislation" there should be the words "necessary affirmative Resolution."
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI note the alteration and I hope that the hon. Gentleman will appreciate that the way in which the Question was framed in some way limited my reply.
I assume that the hon. Member has in mind a general report covering the whole country. I understand that the Boundary Commissions have not yet decided when to initiate the next general review of constituencies, but section 2 (2, a) of the House of Commons (Redistribution of Seats) Act, 1949, requires them to submit their next general reports not later than 30th July, 1955. The Act provides for the recommendations of the Commissions to be given effect by Orders in Council, drafts of which must be laid before Parliament with the reports and must be approved by both Houses.
§ Mr. BennWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman encourage the Boundary Commissions to get to work very soon as it is a matter of great concern to everybody that the new constituency boundaries should be arranged as early as possible before the General Election?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI will see that the hon. Member's view is conveyed to the members.
§ Sir H. WilliamsIs that a clear indication that there will not be a General Election until after June, 1955?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI should not like my hon. Friend to draw any conclusion.