HC Deb 08 March 1966 vol 725 cc1908-9
Q5. Mr. Marten

asked the Prime Minister when he will introduce legislation to amend the law about the expenses of candidates at general elections.

The Prime Minister

I cannot anticipate the Queen's Speech.

Mr. Marten

In spite of that dreadfully complacent assumption, could the Prime Minister give an assurance that, once he has got the General Election out of the way, he will in fact give support to the project from this side of the House?

The Prime Minister

I cannot imagine what was meant to be complacent in suggesting that there will be a Queen's Speech in the latter part of April, which obviously I cannot anticipate. So far as this proposition is concerned—and there are two or three others which have come forward from the Electoral Conference presided over by yourself, Mr. Speaker—so far as these propositions are concerned and many others which may come as a result of considering the representations to the Conference, I think we had better wait and see what recommendations we get from it and then consider what is the best way to deal with it in the matter of legislation.

Mr. Lubbock

Can the Prime Minister say when he anticipates that a further report of the Conference presided over by you, Mr. Speaker, will be published?

The Prime Minister

I cannot say that I should like notice of that question, but I should. It may be possible to say something in the immediate future, although I may be wrong about that. Certainly anything received by the Government from you, Mr. Speaker, before the end of this Parliament will be made available right away.