§ Mr. C. WHITEasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the action of the chairman of the parish council at Parwich, near Ash-bourne, Derbyshire, who, having failed to give notice of the election at the proper date, the date was fixed for the 3rd May by the county council; whether at the parish meeting thus convened, as there were more candidates nominated than there were vacancies, the chairman refused the demand for a poll and also refused to take the names of those electors who demanded a poll, and declared all the retiring members elected; and whether, under these circumstances, he will take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the electors shall have the opportunity of electing the parish council in a legitimate manner?
§ Mr. SHORTTI have been asked to reply. I am informed by the clerk of the county council that at the parish meeting held on 3rd May for the election of six parish councillors, eight persons were nominated, but that two of the nominations were held by the chairman836W to be invalid, and he accordingly declared the other six persons to be elected. I am advised that the validity of the proceedings at the election can only be questioned by an election petition, and that I have no power to take any action in the matter.