§ Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the co-option, by the Stirlingshire County Council, of Captain Salvesen, the defeated candidafe at the last election, who in no sense represents the nominating body of the late Mr. Ramsay Russell, who died on service, and which declined to co-opt either of the two nominees who are members of the Labour party, who were the nominating body of the former member; and what action he proposes to take to ensure that the electoral arrangement is honourably observed by county and town councils?
§ Mr. E. BrownNo representations have reached me regarding the action of the local authority referred to. I find, on inquiry, that 15 votes were given in favour of the candidate co-opted, as compared with 9 votes and 5 votes respectively in favour of the other two candidates. I am informed that, before the vote was taken, reference was made to the view with regard to the filling of casual vacancies which was expressed on behalf of the Government during the Debate on the Local Elections and Register of Electors Bill on the 19th October, 1939. I have no power to intervene in the filling of casual vacancies but I am bringing, the Government's view as indicated in Parliament to the notice of the county council.