HC Deb 31 October 1918 vol 110 cc1620-1W
Sir W. RUTHERFORD

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that in some constituencies where a contest is probable the local authorities are asking the political agents to ascertain the addresses of the thousands of absent voters in each such constituency: whether steps are being taken by the Local Government Board or any other authority to ascertain the addresses of absentee voters; and whether in any contest each candidate will be supplied with a copy of such particulars?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

I am not aware of any such request having been made to political agents. In an answer which I gave on the 17th instant to the right hon. Member for North St. Pancras, I explained the procedure by which it was hoped to supply the addresses of absent voters who are entered on the books of record offices and in reply to the hon. Member for West Newington on the 28th instant I indicated a plan by which naval or military voters temporarily absent from their units can readily supply their addresses to the Registration Officers. Any addresses so furnished or otherwise obtained will be duly recorded by the Registration Officers and will be available for inspection by the candidates and their agents.