§ Mr. RAMSDENasked the Home Secretary whether he intends to modify the Clause in the Franchise Act which makes unmarried women over 30 years of age, in order to qualify for a vote, having to prove that they pay 5s. a week for an empty bedroom, and have then furnished the room themselves, causing, with the present great scarcity of houses, a position which is in many cases impossible?
§ Dr. ADDISONMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this Question. I assume that the hon. Member has in mind Section 4 (1) (c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1918, though I may observe that the reference in that provision is to an annual value of not less than five pounds, and not to a rental of five shillings a week, as the Question implies. I doubt, however, whether the hon. Member's object could be secured without legislation substantially modifying the basis of the Parliamentary Franchise for women; and I cannot give any undertaking with regard to such legislation.