§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Service men were able to exercise their right to vote in the October 1974 General Election; and if he will express the figures as a percentage of the total numbers of Service men and women giving a breakdown for each of the Armed Services.
§ Dr. SummerskillSome 100,800 men and women exercised their right to be registered as Service voters for the General Election in October 1974, but the figures do not distinguish between members of the different Armed Services, other Crown servants and British Council staff and their wives abroad. I regret, therefore, that the information is not available in the form sought by the hon. Member.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will seek to simplify the administrative procedures relating to the registration of Service voters.
§ Mr. William RodgersI have been asked to reply.
The Ministry of Defence keeps under review the administrative procedures relating to the registration of Service voters and has taken steps to ensure that Service men are aware of and able to take advantage of the existing facilities for Service registration. I am not clear what simplification the hon. Gentleman has in mind.