HC Deb 11 May 1966 vol 728 cc84-5W
Mr. Mathew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence what percentage of Service men and women in each of the three Services eligible to vote by proxy at the recent General Election failed to appoint proxies; and approximately how many in each service failed to enter their names on the Electoral Roll.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

Only the electoral registration officer could give the answer to the first part of this Question. The answer to the second part is—

Royal Navy about 17,000
Army about 70,000
Royal Air Force about 27,000
Some of these were still qualified as civilians.

Mr. Mathew

asked the Secretary of State for Defence if he will take steps to give the widest possible publicity in unit orders and by other suitable means in order more fully to bring to the attention of service men their rights to proxy votes and how to register these at the appropriate time when the Electoral Roll is being compiled.

Mr. J. P. W. Mallalieu

General guidance on electoral matters is given in Queen's Regulations and specifically at election time or when by-elections take place. An annual check is carried out by the Services to ensure that personnel eligible to vote have been given the opportunity of making the necessary declaration as a Service Voter. This declaration includes provision for the appointment of a proxy. Notice Board information is given which also advises those already registered to check their nominated proxies and qualifying addresses and, if necessary, to bring them up to date.