HC Deb 06 May 1918 vol 105 cc1877-8W
Captain CARR-GOMM

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether the arrangements of the military authorities are sufficiently advanced to permit the names of soldiers serving in India, Egypt, Mesopotamia, Palestine, Salonika, and East Africa to be supplied to registration officers so as to ensure that the names of these military voters may be included in the lists of electors to be published on 15th June?

Mr. HAYES FISHER

I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the matter is not being lost sight of, and I am in communication with the War Office in the hope of expediting the matter.

Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the event of the name of a sailor or soldier being returned on Form A, where no corresponding card has been received from the naval or military authorities, he will instruct registration officers to include such name in the voters' list on their being satisfied by inquiry or otherwise as to the correctness of the information?

Mr. FISHER

As I stated in Debate on Thursday last, we have impressed on registration officers the importance of obtaining the fullest local information as to all naval or miiltary voters. I anticipate, however, issuing a further Circular to registration officers in the course of a few days, when I will again advert to the matter.

Captain CARR-GOMM

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in the event of a General Election taking place before the end of the year, he has considered the likelihood of there being insufficient time for sailors and soldiers afloat or in distant areas to appoint proxies; and whether, in view of this, he will issue the necessary instructions to permit proxies to be appointed from the time of the publication of the registration officers' lists in June instead of waiting until October for the publication of the register?

Mr. FISHER

The subject is receiving attention, and, as regards the suggestion contained in the latter part of the question, I will give the matter careful consideration in connection with the forthcoming Order in Council.

Mr. GILBERT

asked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in order to facilitate the appointment of proxies, as provided by the Representation of the People Act, he will arrange for the immediate issue of the Order in Council prescribing the areas for which voting by proxy will be allowed?

Mr. FISHER

I hope it may be possible to issue the Order in Council at an early date.