§ 36. Mr. Frank Allaunasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will ensure the widest opportunity to vote at General Elections, particularly for those traveling long distances to work, by introducing legislation to allow employees to take three hours off work on polling day without loss of pay, as is done in 27 States in the United States of America.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerNo, Sir: I think the existing facilities for voting in person between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., or in certain cases by post, are sufficient.
§ Mr. AllaunDoes not the Home Secretary think that a high vote is in the interests of democracy? Would not this proposal be in line with the generations of adaptation and experiment which have led to our present system?
§ Mr. ButlerThe voting was 82.6 per cent. in 1951 and 76.8 per cent. in 1955. This is a far higher proportion than occurs in America, to which the hon. Member's Question was related.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill not the Home Secretary consider making polling day a national holiday, in view of the fact that the Government will have no reason to rejoice afterwards?
§ Mr. ButlerIn the forthcoming election the more time people have to vote 371 the more certain we are of a resounding victory. The question is—and I would ask the right hon. Gentleman to provide the answer to it—who will pay for the national holiday?