§ Mr. ALLEN PARKINSONasked the Minister of Health whether the retiring chairman of an urban district council, who is a candidate for the position in the ensuing year, can remain in the chair during the election of chairman and cast his vote for himself, and, when the votes of the members are equal, is he entitled to give a casting vote in his favour and, by so doing, elect himself chairman for the ensuing year?
§ Dr. ADDISONI have no authority to determine the legal question put by the hon. Member. The view has been expressed by my Department that it is not desirable for the retiring chairman to preside at a meeting at which he is a candidate for re-election.