§ 2. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received under Section 11 of the Representation of the People Act, 1949, urging him to establish sufficient polling booths to make convenient the maximum voting at elections.
§ Mr. N. MacphersonThe designation of polling places is primarily a matter for the sheriff as returning officer. Since 1955 the only representations made to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State related to one area in the Western Isles constituency; following them, the returning officer designated a new polling place.
§ Mr. WoodburnIs the hon. Gentleman aware that during the passage of the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 1958, which deals with the use of cars at elections, the Home Secretary, whom I take it was speaking also on behalf of the Secretary of State for Scotland, gave his endorsement to a more generous attitude towards the opening of new polling stations so that people could reach the polls easily? Is the hon. Gentleman in a similar frame of mind regarding polling booths in Scotland?
§ Mr. MacphersonI have stated the position. Polling stations are a matter primarily for the sheriff, with appeal to the Secretary of State.