§ 9. Dr. Winstanleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to amend Section 80 of the Representation of the People Act, 1949, so as to include local elections in addition to Parliamentary elections.
§ 32. Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now take steps to abolish business or plural voting in local elections.
§ Miss BaconThese points will be considered in the review of local government electoral law which will follow the curent review of the law relating to Parliamentary elections.
§ Dr. WinstanleyIs the right hon. Lady aware that substantial use has already been made of this glaring omission from the law in that broadcasting has already been used in attempts to influence the results of the Greater London Council elections and the local elections in Scotland? Would she agree that it is urgent to put an end to the abuse irrespective of the direction in which this influence is exerted?
§ Miss BaconYes, Sir; I would agree with the hon. Gentleman. It has been an abuse, and it was an omission from the 1949 Act, the last occasion when the matter was discussed. But my right hon. Friend the Postmaster-General is taking power to deal with the broadcasting stations. The whole question will, we hope, be considered in the review of local government reform.
§ Mr. WhitakerCould my right hon. Friend include the reform suggested in 1929 Question No. 32 in any measure which gives effect to the recommendations of Mr. Speaker's Conference, and could she add whether it will also apply to Northern Ireland?
§ Miss BaconYes, Sir; the point raised by my hon. Friend in Question No. 32 will be included in any consideration of local government matters. He would have to give me due notice about the second part of his question. He asked a Question about this before, and I then said that the matter would be considered in the review of local government electoral law.