HC Deb 17 July 1972 vol 841 cc231-2

FILLING OF CASUAL VACANCIES IN CASE OF COUNCILLORS

Mr. Carlisle

I beg to move Amendment No. 241, in page 57, line 28, leave out "thirty" and insert "forty-two". I respectfully suggest that it will be for the convenience of the House to discuss at the same time Government Amendments Nos. 242 and 243.

The effect of these three Amendments is to increase from 30 days to 42 days the period within which an election shall be held to fill a casual vacancy for a council or district councillor.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendments made:

No. 242, in page 57, line 30, leave out "thirty" and insert "forty-two".

No. 243, in page 57, line 34, leave out "thirty" and insert "forty-two".

No. 931, in page 58, line 9, after "district", insert: "in which councillors are elected by thirds".

No. 932, in page 58, line 18, leave out "a" and insert "any such".

No. 514, in page 59, line 2, leave out from "filled" to end of line 4 and insert: by election or by the parish or community council in accordance with rules made under section 44 above".—[Mr. Carlisle.]

Mr. Carlisle

I beg to move Amendment No. 244, in page 59, line 6, leave out from first "lot" to end of line 9 and insert: (a) in the case of a contested election, the lot shall be drawn by the returning officer immediately after the question has arisen; and

(b) in any other case, the lot shall be drawn at the next meeting of the council after the question has arisen, and the drawing shall be conducted under the direction of the person presiding at the meeting.

The purpose of this Amendment is to ensure that where there is a contested election which has to be determined by lot, that lot may be drawn by the returning office immediately after the election rather than waiting for the next council meeting.

Amendment agreed to.

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