§ Mr. SEXTONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the fact that at the forthcoming elections for urban district councils some of the councils will be wholly re-elected and others will be renewed only to the extent of one-third; and whether, in view of the fact that there has been no election for five years, he will consider the advisability of introducing legislation to provide that all the councillors shall submit themselves for election?
§ Major ASTORIn all the circumstances, and in view of the other urgent demands upon the time of Parliament, the Government have not felt able to propose legislation on this subject.
§ Mr. SEXTONasked the President of the Local Government Board whether it is proposed to take any action with regard to the aldermen of county councils, one-half of whom normally go out of office in March next; and whether, in view of the fact that owing to the War the other half of the aldermen did not go out of office 601W three years ago, arrangements can be made whereby the whole of the aldermen should be renewed next March?
§ Major ASTORImmediate legislation would be necessary for the purpose indicated in the question, and the Government cannot undertake to bring in a Bill for the purpose.