ITO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."]
SIR,—In the Spectator of June 22nd you give some figures about the recent Census and point out that Ireland is over- represented in the House of Commons. But is not the United Kingdom over-represented? The House of Commons consists of 670 Members ; the Chamber of Deputies in France consists of 584 Members ; in Prussia of 433; in Austria of 425; and in Italy of 508. The population of the United Kingdom is now 41,500,000, of which Ireland has 4,500,000. Why not have 415 Members of the House,—one to every 100,000 of the population ? That would give Ireland 45 Members. Put an end to the county freehold voter, and so give every man one vote of equal value. As this is a radical (in the true sense) proposal, it is, I fear, not likely to be adopted by either party.
—I am. Sir, &c., JOHN HEYWOOD. The Pike, Bolton-le-Moors.
[The efficiency of the House of Commons would possibly be increased by diminishing its numbers, but it would be harder than ever for able young men without very large means to get seats. Owing to the great increase of popula- tion the number of people per Member has immensely increased during the last sixty years. It might be wise to decrease the total numbers by some 30 or 40 Members, but to diminish them by 250 or so is too drastic a proposal.—ED. Spectator.]
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