asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the fact that the spring register of electors only comes into operation on 15th April, just after the spring local government elections are over, he will take steps for this register to be prepared and made operative for use at such elections?

The hon. and gallant Member will appreciate that the change suggested would involve consequential changes in the qualifying periods and in all other dates for both registers in the year, and that, if his suggestion applies to the county council elections, the changes would need to be substantial. The question of framing a scheme of registration dates which would meet the object indicated in the question has been frequently considered; but no alternative has been found which is not open to greater objections than the present scheme.