ELECTORAL REFORM
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—While the alteration of the present voting system is being discussed in Parliament, there are surely cognate matters that need consideration with a view to change. For instance, (1) Why should we not abolish the regulation under which a deposit of £150 is required from parliamentary candidates on nomination day ? This deposit is an anachronism and is not necessary in any other European country. I do not believe its abolition would mean a vast increase in the number of candidates. Moreover, this sum is not demanded at County and Borough elections. (2) Some method of " recall " should be instituted. Under our present parliamentary procedure there are no means of compelling an M.P. to resign his seat when he no longer represents the views of the people that elected him. The outstanding example is that of the late Sir Alfred Mond (Lord Melchet). Whilst he was Liberal M.P. for Swansea he joined the Conservative Party, and his Liberal constituents that elected him had to grin and bear it. How can this sort of thing be called " democracy " ?—I am, Sir,
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