§ 72. Sir J. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the large number of would-be candidates in forthcoming by-elections, he will introduce legislation to ensure that the successful candidate shall not forfeit his deposit if he fails to obtain the appropriate proportion of votes.
§ Mr. BrookeI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to his Question on 11th December and to the statement I made to the House on 18th December.
§ 73. Sir J. Lucasasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in the event of a successful Parliamentary candidate forfeiting his deposit by reason of the multiplicity of the number of candidates, the £150 forfeited will be counted as election expenses, in which case he might be unseated for excess expenditure; and if he will amend the law so as to prevent this situation.
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§ Mr. BrookeSo far as I am aware, the deposit has never been regarded as part of election expenses.