§ Mr. Russell Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will bring forward proposals to extend entitlement to a postal vote to all those liable to be absent from their normal place of residence on polling day, for whatever reason.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo. The Speaker's Conference of 1965–68 rejected proposals that postal voting facilities should be extended to electors absent on holiday, Service voters overseas and electors reaching the age of 70. The grounds for that rejection would apply with even greater force to a wider extension.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now introduce legislation to enable all persons who will be away from their parliamentary constituencies on holiday at the time of any General Election, or by-election, to claim a postal vote.
§ Dr. SummerskillI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on 20th June to a Question by the hon. Member for Tynemouth (Mr. Trotter).