Oral Answers to Questions — General Election (Territorials in Camp).

– in the House of Commons am ar 27 Mawrth 1929.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Dr. VERNON DAVIES:

20.

asked the Secretary of State for War what provision will be made for Territorials who may be in camp at the date of the Election for recording their votes; and what opportunity will be given them to hear the policy of the different political parties before doing so?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

Territorials who may be in camp during the Election may be placed on the absent voters' list or may be granted leave from camp for the purpose of recording their votes. Full instructions will be issued in due course. As regards the last part of the question, no opportunity can be given while in camp.

Dr. DAVIES:

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the individual soldier will have to make his own application to be put on the absent voters' list or will an order be given to the battalion?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

If the individual soldier wants leave, he must apply for it.

Dr. DAVIES:

Before he goes to camp?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

No, not necessarily before he goes to camp. As regards the absent voters' list, instructions will be given so that probably soldiers can make application.

Photo of Mr Robert Taylor Mr Robert Taylor , Lincoln

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what is the latest date on which application can be made to be put on the absent voters' list in connection with the next Election?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

I am afraid I cannot. I will have instructions issued at an early date—as soon as they can be got ready.

Photo of Mr Robert Taylor Mr Robert Taylor , Lincoln

Is it not already too late?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

I believe that it is not too late for the absent voters' list.

Photo of Mr Joseph Westwood Mr Joseph Westwood , Peebles and Southern

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether leave of absence will be granted to these Territorials for 30th May?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

I am afraid that I did not catch that question.

Photo of Mr Joseph Westwood Mr Joseph Westwood , Peebles and Southern

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether leave of absence will be granted to these Territorials for the purpose of casting their votes on that date?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

Whatever the date is, they will get their leave.

Dr. DAVIES:

Will my right hon. Friend say, if it is too late at the present time to be included in the absent voters' list, that special facilities will be offered to these men to be put on that list considering that they are doing a national service by going to camp?

Photo of Mr Worthington Evans Mr Worthington Evans , Colchester

I am surprised to hear that it is thought to be too late to go on to the absent voters' list. There is some provision with regard to serving soldiers, and that is the provision which it is intended to put into operation. I will see that particulars are published as quickly as possible.