§ Mr. PENNYasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs in what foreign countries, if any, penalties are imposed in the case of electors who do not exercise the franchise; and what is the nature of such penalties?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am not in possession of the information required by the hon. Member, but I have Reports made about two years ago, of the working of the compulsory voting system in two of the most important countries in which it is in force—the Netherlands and Belgium—and I am prepared, if the hon. Member so desires, to place copies of these in the Library of the House.
§ Mr. PENNYasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies in what, if any, British Dominions, Colonies, and Protectorates penalties are imposed in the case of electors who do not exercise the franchise; and what is the nature of such penalties?
Mr. THOMASThe Queensland Elections Act makes voting at elections compulsory, an elector qualified to vote but failing without a valid and sufficient excuse to do so being liable to a penalty not exceeding £2. I have seen Press statements to the effect that the Parliament of the Commonwealth of Australia has just passed similar legislation, but I have no official information as to this. I am not aware of any such provision in the legislation of other Dominions, Colonies or Protectorates.