HC Deb 20 December 1956 vol 562 cc1428-9
4. Mr. H. Hynd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to remedy the anomaly under which people reaching 21 years of age in July are still not able to vote in an election until the following October.

Major Lloyd-George

The hon. Member is under a misapprehension. In 1949 the autumn register, the qualifying date for which was 15th June, was abolished on grounds of economy. In response to strong representations from both sides of the House the Government of the day introduced the present provision to give persons reaching the age of 21 by 15th June the same voting rights as they would have had if the autumn register had not been abolished. When there were two registers annually a person reaching the age of 21 after 15th June had to wait until the spring register came into force on 16th March before he could vote. Now he waits until the register comes into force on 16th February.

Mr. Hynd

As those people's names are already on the register, is there any reason why they should not vote when they become 21? Why should they have to wait four more months? Has the right hon. and gallant Gentleman noticed from the result of the Melton by-election that voters are now using their votes more intelligently?

Major Lloyd-George

I think that the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. Under the old scheme they had to wait for sixteen months before they were entitled to vote.

Mr. Hynd

Why should they wait four months?

Major Lloyd-George

That is what Parliament decided, and there is nothing we can do about it.