HC Deb 16 June 1959 vol 607 cc33-4W
Sir L. Ungoed-Thomas

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will state the procedure for bringing to the notice of serving personnel, other than commissioned officers, their right to register for service votes.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

Each year an Admiralty Fleet Order is issued which sets out the steps men must take to be placed on the Electoral Register and gives the date of the next Electoral Register and the latest dates by which service men may apply to be included on that register. This was last done in Admiralty Fleet Order 1921/58 issued in August, 1958. Commanding Officers are instructed to give every facility and assistance to men who want to register as service voters, and also carry out a special annual check to ensure that those eligible have been given the opportunity of making the necessary declaration and that a declaration form is handed to men who are found not to have registered.

Sir L. Ungoed-Thomas

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he will publish in the OFFICIAL REPORT, as at the latest convenient date, the number and percentage of serving personnel, other than commissioned officers, who have made a declaration with a view to registration as service voters.

Mr. C. Ian Orr-Ewing

The returns prepared by the Registrar General do not distinguish between officers and ratings. Eighty-eight per cent. of those eligible are included on the current roll.

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