§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase the present deposit required from candidates in the General Election and to increase the number of supporting signatures which are required for nomination, with a view to eliminating frivolous candidatures which have little support.
§ Mr. JohnThe Government take the view that it would be appropriate for a Speaker's Conference on electoral law to consider the question of an increase in the candidate's deposit before amending legislation is prepared. Such a Conference could also consider related matters, such as the number of signatures required on a candidate's nomination paper.