Oral Answers to Questions — Parliamentary Elections (Polling Booths)

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 22nd March 1945.

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Sir G. Arland-Troyte:

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will arrange for electors to vote at the nearest polling booth to their residence in order that they may be saved long journeys to record their votes.

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

The existing law provides for the appointment of polling places for polling districts in such manner as to give all electors in the constituency such reasonable facilities for voting as are practicable in the circumstances, and I am not aware of any general or even widespread demand for facilities on the lines suggested by my hon. and gallant Friend.

Sir G. Arland-Troyte:

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there are many cases where people living half a mile from the nearest polling station have had to go four or five miles to vote? Will he see whether anything can be done to improve this position?

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

If the hon. and gallant Gentleman will let me have particulars, I will look into those cases.

Photo of Mr Emanuel Shinwell Mr Emanuel Shinwell , Seaham

Does not my right hon. Friend realise that the trouble is that the Tory Party will not have cars at their disposal at the next election?

Photo of Mr Daniel Frankel Mr Daniel Frankel , Stepney Mile End

Will special arrangements be made in areas where bombing has been extensive and where certain schools that used to be used for this purpose will no longer be available?

Photo of Mr Herbert Morrison Mr Herbert Morrison , Hackney South

That will raise difficulties that will have to be considered.