§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the electoral deposit was fixed at £150; on the basis that £1 then had a value of 100p and taking account of the depreciation in the purchasing value of the £ sterling from then until 15 March, to what extent the £150 would have to be increased to restore it in real terms to its original value; and whether he will introduce amending legislation for this purpose.
§ Mr. JohnThe deposit required of candidates at parliamentary elections was fixed at £150 in 1918. The comparable figure would now be about £1,400. The Government take the view that it would be appropriate for Mr. Speaker's Conference on Electoral Law to consider the question of an increase in the candidate's deposit before amending legislation is prepared.