HC Deb 10 December 1963 vol 686 cc212-3
Q3. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Prime Minister what steps he is taking to inquire into influence upon voting in Parliamentary, by-elections, as at Kinross and East Perthshire, and at Luton recently, by the conduct of public opinion polls between nomination day and polling day; and whether he will make a statement

The Prime Minister

I doubt if electors allow their votes to be influenced by these polls and I see no reason for an inquiry at present.

Sir G. Nabarro

A very good Answer. Would not my right hon. Friend agree that public opinion polls add greatly to the gaiety and vivacity of Parliamentary elections and would he dismiss at once the complaint made by Scottish Liberals after the Kinross by-election that their vote was adversely affected by an opinion poll? Would he dismiss it as stunting, as also was the Liberal alleged punch-up outside the St. Marylebone Town Hall last Thursday night?

The Prime Minister

I thought that I took the earliest opportunity I could to put all my opponents in their place.

Mr. Wigg

Will the Prime Minister also take into account the amount of pints which he bought the electors during the course of the campaign?

Sir G. Nabarro

On a point of order. Is it in order for an hon. Member opposite to allege against the Prime Minister that he bought pints for electors in Kinross, thereby imputing—[Hon. Members: "Sit down."]—a breach of electoral law against my right hon. Friend? [Interruption.] Would you require that opprobrious suggestion to be withdrawn, Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Speaker

I do not think that it is a matter for me. In any event, I did not hear what was said.

Sir G. Nabarro

Further to that point of order—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order. Question Time is precious. I should be grateful if I might be permitted to hear what is being addressed to me.

Sir G. Nabarro

As all my hon. Friends and myself heard the imputation that the Prime Minister bought pints for electors at a by-election, is it not reasonable to require it to be withdrawn?

Mr. Speaker

I do not propose to rule on anything I did not hear myself. It is too difficult. Do let us get on.