HC Deb 11 March 1971 vol 813 cc578-9
44. Sir J. Gilmour

asked the Minister of State for Defence what proportion of those serving in the Armed Forces is registered to vote in the new register of voters, which was compiled in October, 1970, and which is being published this year.

Mr. Ian Gilmour

The figures are not yet available.

Sir J. Gilmour

Would my hon. Friend agree that the figures for last year show that an unduly low percentage of Service men were registered? Will he therefore, before the register is made up in October of this year, review whether an improved arrangement can be made for registering Service men on the voters roll?

Mr. Gilmour

I agree that the previous figures were disappointing. My hon. Friend is no doubt aware of our intention that the Service voting arrangements should he considered by the Home Secretary's Electoral Advisory Conference.