HC Deb 16 April 1959 vol 603 cc1123-4
22. Mr. Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent under his regulations divisional political parties are entitled to delete the address of the electoral registration officer on form R.P.F.7 (Application to be treated as an absent voter for an indefinite period) which are distributed by them and substitute their own addresses so that the cards, when completed, are conveyed back to them free of charge by the Post Office.

Mr. R. A. Butler

The Representation of the People Regulations, 1950, contain no provisions bearing on this matter. I have had no previous representations or information about the alleged practice. I will consider any evidence the hon. Member may wish to bring to my notice.

Mr. Short

Is the Home Secretary aware that Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central, Conservative Association has sent out hundreds of these cards, one of which I hold in my hand, each with a letter inviting the recipient to complete and return the card, which means that it would be returned at public expense? Is not this another example of the Conservative Party's belief that it has a divine right to bend or ignore the rules to suit its own convenience? What will the right hon. Gentleman do about this particular case?

Mr. Butler

I should want to examine it in relation to the law, in relation to Post Office Regulations and other matters. If the hon. Member will bring it immediately to my attention I shall immediately give him a report.

Mr. J. Griffiths

If documents of this kind, published at public expense, bearing an official address, are defaced by some organization or person, is not that a breach of the law?

Mr. Butler

At first sight I cannot give an answer to that question. I am not absolutely certain that it is a breach of the law, but I have a card here and I can see exactly what would happen if the words "Electoral Registration Officer" were defaced and the official paid postmark were used. It is that that I want to investigate on receipt of the information from the hon. Member for Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Central (Mr. Short).

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