§ 16. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the operation of section 79 of the Representation of the 643 People Act 1949 in respect of the European election in the light of the nondelivery of election addresses and other material in parts of Essex South West European constituency.
§ Mr. BrittanYes, Sir. I regret any particular difficulties that may have occurred, but the operation of section 79 of the Act has been generally satisfactory.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonIs my hon. and learned Friend the Minister aware that in Waltham Abbey and elsewhere whole sacks of election addresses were left undelivered? Is this not contrary to statutory obligation? Is it not an obstruction of democracy? What redress is there for those people who have lost time and money and not had their election addresses delivered?
§ Mr. BrittanWhat occurred on that occasion is a matter of great regret. It was a serious matter, in that 60,000 election addresses and 140,000 poll cards were not delivered although they were handed in by the local authorities and the political parties in time. Whether any legal redress or consequences flow from that would have to be explored in the courts, if at all.
§ Dr. Edmund MarshallWould it not be better if the regulations governing the free post of election addresses—which, under the 1949 Act, were originally to be made by the Postmaster-General, a Minister answerable to this House, and are now made by the Post Office—were again to be made by a Minister?
§ Mr. BrittanI am not sure whether that would be practicable or desirable in view of the changes in the organisation and running of the Post Office which have taken place since.