HC Deb 21 February 1921 vol 138 cc555-6W
Mr. MILLS

asked the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the state of unemployment, he will take steps to advise all authorities to discontinue the practice of employing as presiding officers and poll clerks at polls of electors officials and others already in full-time employment?

Dr. ADDISON

The matter is in each case one for the returning officer, who is personally responsible for the conduct of the election. I have no doubt the returning officers will give preference to persons unemployed wherever the nature of the work permits, and I will bring the hon. Member's suggestion to the notice of local authorities whose elections are shortly to be held. But some of these appointments require experience of election law and procedure, and in such cases it is possible that suitable unemployed persons may not be available.