HC Deb 15 February 1968 vol 758 cc1563-5
10. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the large increase in the costs of Parliamentary candidates since the present maximum permissible statutory limits were established, notably transport and printing costs; and whether he will conduct a Departmental inquiry and publish the findings, as to the increased costs, with a view to substantial increases in the statutory limits for both borough and county constituencies.

Mr. Callaghan:

The Government are now considering the recommendation of Mr. Speaker's Conference on Electoral Law that there should be an increase in the basic figure to £750.

Sir G. Nabarro

Having regard to the very difficult position of candidates in large county constituencies, who are tied to maximum costs imposed 20 years ago, would the right hon. Gentleman undertake to bring in this year an upward limit of at least 50 per cent.?

Mr. Callaghan

I think this will be a matter for discussion. I find on looking through the records that quite a number of candidates seem to manage quite well within the existing limits.

Sir G. Nabarro

I cannot manage.

Mr. Callaghan

We know that the hon. Member could not manage anything. This matter must be looked at in conjunction with the other recommendations of Mr. Speaker's Conference. I could not undertake to introduce separate legislation on this matter.

Mr. Turton

In view of the fact that this recommendation was made by Mr. Speaker's Conference nearly two years ago and it is an urgent matter, will the right lion. Gentleman take urgent steps to deal with this particular problem as quickly as possible?

Mr. Callaghan

As we are not going to have an election for two or three years, I do not know what the right hon. Gentleman is worrying about. We have been waiting for the recommendation from Mr. Speaker's Conference about the age of voting. That has now been received and it will enable a wide discussion to take place on the recommendations that have come forward.

Mr. Hogg

Having regard to the fact that these limits affect borough elections, which certainly will take place, as well as Parliamentary Elections which the whole country hopes will take place, will the right hon. Gentleman look at this a little more seriously? Will he be warned by the terrible example of the United States where the formal limits are much lower and where every candidate, from the President downwards, has to commit perjury before he gets in?

Mr. Callaghan

The right hon. and learned Gentleman speaks with his usual moderation, as on all other questions. I note that you, Mr. Speaker, have recommended this increase. It is a matter for discussion whether something should be done in advance of the general recommendations or not. I would not take a hard and fast view on that if the House as a whole decided that there was a case for an increase and wanted it considered earlier, but I had better not go further or the Lord President of the Council will he after me.

Mr. Speaker

Order. Hon. Members should not reflect, even accidentally, on heads of friendly foreign Powers.

Mr. Hogg

I apologise. I except the President.