The Speaker’s Conference and the Representation of the People Bill, 1916–1918

Abstract

Although the PRS had to limit its propagandist activities in terms of lessening its expenditures and cutting down on staff because of the war in 1914, the PRS still pursued its advocacies. The organization found an opportunity to present its causes when the Speaker's Conference on Electoral Reform was appointed in 1916. Because the then existing parliament was about to end in January 1916, the government in 1915 had to decide whether the existing parliament should be continued or whether there should be a general election. However, problems rose from considering the elections since there would probably be disputes regarding the register of electors since there are people entitled to vote who are at war and away from home. This chapter discusses the Speaker's conference at which such issues were attempted to be resolved. Also, the chapter looks into the Reform Bill that concerned proportional representation.