We are now about to pass into law a measure for the election of a President. As was pointed out at the various stages, we feel that it is open to a lot of abuse, and that the machinery provided does not appear to be in position to cope with the abuses that we are afraid will crop up. The really weak points in the Bill are, I am afraid, still in it. I do not think the Minister's inventive genius has helped him on this occasion, as there are some very big points not covered, particularly with regard to anything that might be done to prevent personation by people interested in this election. I am afraid the Minister has failed to deal with that in the Bill. Although we are agreeing to the passing of this measure, we feel that it is a futile attempt to elect some person in a loose kind of way, and that the machinery provided will be nothing more than a kind of cover or sham. However, the Bill has been dealt with and we are agreeable to let it go through.
Presidential Elections Bill, 1937—Fifth Stage.
Question proposed: "That the Bill do now pass."
Question put and agreed to.