HC Deb 23 June 1966 vol 730 cc872-3
2. Dr. Winstanley

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take the necessary steps to provide a postal vote in local and Parliamentary elections to members of religious organisations whose religious beliefs prevent them from voting in person on the day of the poll.

Miss Bacon

The Parliamentary and Local Government Elections Rules in the Representation of the People Act, 1949, contain special provisions for Jews to have their votes recorded at a poll taken on a Saturday. If the hon. Member has any other point in mind and will let me know, I shall be glad to look into it.

Dr. Winstanley

Is the right hon. Lady aware that the arrangements which she has described are not, in fact, achieving their object? Is she aware that rabbis in certain parts of the country are now instructing their congregations that it would be a breach of their faith to vote in this way? Is she further aware that in some areas—my own in particular, in Gatley—this resulted in large numbers of people abstaining from voting in the recent local elections? Will she, therefore, reconsider this matter?

Miss Bacon

This difficulty would apply to an election held on a Saturday when sundown occurred before polling closed. As the hon. Gentleman is probably aware, I have for 21 years represented in this House a considerable number of Jews, who have never raised this point with me. However, if there is a difficulty I will certainly look into it.

Sir B. Janner

Would my right hon. Friend take into consideration the fact that if an election is held on a Saturday, which is the sabbath not only for Jews but for a number of Sabbatarians, an orthodox person could not possibly go to a polling station before sundown and—

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must be brief.

Sir B. Janner

Would my right hon. Friend say that she will consider the possibility of not holding elections on Saturdays throughout the country or in any part of the country?

Miss Bacon

I could not go as far as that, but I will undertake to see if it is possible to overcome any difficulties which may exist.