§ THE EARL OF LISTOWELMy Lords, I beg to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are satisfied that the provisions of Bahamian law relating to corrupt or dishonest practices during elections were observed during the recent by-election at Eleuthera.]
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES (LORD LLOYD)My Lords, the General Assembly Elections Act, 1946, of the Bahamas contains the usual provisions regarding procedure at elections, including the secret vote. In particular, Part VI of the Act relates to election offences, including bribery. I am informed that the Provost Marshal was present in Eleuthera on both nomination and polling days and no complaints of improper practices were made to him. No official complaint has been lodged at any time, but I am informed that on January 20 a petition in accordance with law was presented to the 973 House of Assembly, asking that all votes at one polling station be disallowed. This petition, which now goes to the Election Committee of the House of Assembly, does not allege corrupt or dishonest practices but is based on an interpretation of law regarding the preparation and certification of the Register as affecting voters at that polling station.