§ Sir J. RANDLESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he is aware that in some districts more than 50 per cent. of the forms that have been issued by the registration officer have been returned with incorrect particulars filled in; and whether, seeing that this is obvious proof that there is great confusion in the minds of the public as to the correct manner in which the forms should be filled in, and having regard to the fact that the staffs of the registration officers are already working at full pressure, he will, in order to obtain the most accurate lists possible, consider the desirability of extending the date fixed for publishing the lists?
§ Mr. HAYES FISHERI understand that in certain districts a considerable proportion of the forms have been incorrectly filled up. The desirability of extending the date referred to is under consideration.
§ Sir J. RANDLESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his 685W attention has been drawn to the fact that there is strong objection on the part of many persons whose duty and business it is to assist in compiling a complete and accurate register of voters to the inclusion in one column of the register of the place of abode and the place of qualification of the elector; and whether, seeing that confusion is likely to arise in the future when notices are being sent out, he will consider the desirability of amending the Order in order to provide separate columns for the respective particulars mentioned.
§ Mr. FISHERIt was necessary in framing the form of the first register to pay special regard to the need for economy of printing and paper. I do not, however, think the method adopted is open to the objections mentioned. It is not practicable now to alter the Order in Council as proposed.