HC Deb 10 February 1971 vol 811 cc525-6
45. Mr. Ashton

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will seek to amend the procedure of the House so that the names of those Members who do not vote in Divisions can be recorded as well as the names of those who do.

Mr. Whitelaw

No, Sir.

Mr. Ashton

Would it not considerably help the Birmingham Post and Crossbencher in the Sunday Express to have these figures instead of having to peruse the lists, and would it not be a great help to constituents to know the voting records of hon. Members?

Mr. Whitelaw

In practice, it might be difficult to distinguish the various reasons why from time to time various right hon. and hon. Gentlemen do not happen to be in a particular Division Lobby.