§ Mr. NIELDasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received any communication from the overseers of Ealing asking for instructions-as to whether registration work should be commenced, seeing that such is necessary if the existing legislation is not extended beyond 31st December next; whether he is aware that a sum of £235 was expended last year in this parish and, owing to the Government not having come to a decision to legislate until July, was wholly thrown away; and if he will state what course the overseers should take this year to avoid further loss of public money in connection with registration, having special regard to the Government's insistence upon others adopting a policy of rigid economy?
§ Mr. LONGI received a communication from the overseers of Ealing on this subject. The Parliament and Registration Act, 1916, provides that no steps shall be taken for the preparation of new registers 2285W of electors pending further legislation, and I have addressed a circular letter to overseers drawing their attention to the provisions of this Act.