ELECTORAL DISTRICTS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."}
SIN,—Redistribution of representation has come within measure- able distance for serious consideration, so, perhaps, the following- calculation may be worth suggesting :—If population only be taken as basis, the fair proportions, of a House of 700 Members,. will be, England, 520 ; Scotland; 80 ; Ireland, 100. If surface space be taken, the fair proportions, in a House of 760 Members,. will be, England, 370; Scotland, 190 ; Ireland, 200. If rental: for taxation is taken as basis only, the fair proportions will be,. in a House of 582 Members, England, 474; Scotland, 66;. Ireland, 42. Again, taking one third on each basis, then, in a House of 680 Members, the fair proportions will be, England,. 454 ; Scotland, 112 ; Ireland, 114. Such seem to be the only- safe data for calculation, unless the cultivable acreage be taken,. instead of surface space, in each Kingdom.
National engagements and susceptibilities may make it necessary to take population for proportion, between Kingdoms. Local associations and convenience may make area the propor- tion, between counties. Wealth and education may fairly guide the apportionment within county districts, according to rental
[Why does not our correspondent make his calculation in any case for a House of 650 Members ? Nothing is less likely, and nothing would be more mischievous, than to increase the numbers of the House. There would be a strong case for diminishing them.—En. Spectator.]
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