asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is prepared to introduce legislation to enable municipal elections to be held otherwise than in the months of November and March.

This matter is under consideration, but I am not yet in a position to make a statement.

Is my right hon. Friend aware of the general desire that municipal elections should be held in the spring or summer months?

I am well aware of that. I share the view that it would be desirable, but owing to the variable incidence of Easter and Whitsun, it is difficult to find suitable dates.

Is my right hon. Friend aware that inshore fishermen are disfranchised by thousands during the November fishing season?