§ 7. Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now introduce legislation to increase the deposit required of parliamentary candidates.
§ Mr. MayhewWe are awaiting the report of the Select Committee on Home Affairs' inquiry into the Representation of the People Acts.
§ Mr. JannerDo the Government accept that the present deposit provides no deterrent whatever to frivolous canditatures? Do the Government intend to make some change before the next general election?
§ Mr. MayhewI agree with the first part of the question. We have submitted evidence to the Select Committee suggesting that the possible new levels for the deposit and the threshold might be £1,000 and 7½ per cent., but we think it wise to await the Committee's views.
§ Mr. FarrDoes my hon. and learned Friend agree that to make membership of this place consequent upon one's ability to pay would be improper, immoral and unjust? Will he advise his right hon. Friend to set his face against such a course?
§ Mr. MayhewI have often wondered what are the criteria for membership of this place. I am sure that the right use of a deposit is to deter frivolous canditatures.
§ Mr. SkinnerHe is one.
§ Mr. PittDoes the hon. and learned Gentleman agree that the system of taking money from people to justify their bona fides is archaic? Would not a more intelligent system be to examine the number of people who are willing to nominate a person for a place in the House?
§ Mr. MayhewAll these matters are no doubt being considered by the Select Committee. One does not have to use money. One can use a banker's draft. The system is almost as versatile and flexible as the Liberal Party, of which the hon. Gentleman is a representative.
§ Mr. SpeakerOrder. We must move on.