Post by hullenedge on Apr 16, 2016 21:48:09 GMT
This review began in the spring of 1946, using the autumn 1945 register, and was completed by 31st October 1946. (I'm dubious about that date but it's quoted in the press). The Boundary Commissioners had been advised to reduce the size of the H of C from 640 to 615 i.e. its original pre-1945 total. The additional 25 seats drawn in 1944 were a temporary measure to alleviate electoral imbalances. There was growing disquiet amongst all MPs and the public as the commission published their provisional recommendations. Long established constituencies were ripped apart or abolished. To make matters worse the 1945 register was not a true representation of the electorate, which was continuing to move back to urban areas after WW2. There isn't a 1946 report. The whole project was scrapped and the commissioners were instructed to begin again but use the autumn 1946 register. Where do we find these 'forgotten' proposals...if interested? A Labour MP, Joseph Alpass (Thornbury) had asked the Home Sec, James Chuter Ede, if the proposals could be placed in the H of C Library. The reply was no! 'provisional recommendations have appeared in local newspapers circulating in all the constituencies affected...In view of the steps which have been taken to secure wide publicity for their proposals and of the fact that, at this stage, their recommendations are provisional and subject to amendment in the light of objections which may be raised, the Boundary Commission have taken the view - in which I concur - that there would be no advantage in placing copies of the newspaper notices or maps in the Library. Moreover, I am confident that hon. Members will recognise that their rights in this matter are no greater than those of their possible prospective opponents.' Oh...thanks to the newspaper databases/archives it is possible to piece together (sadly not complete...so far) these obsolete but 'intriguing' proposals.
Part 1. North West Counties
Cumberland - to lose two seats - constituencies of Carlisle, Whitehaven & Workington and Penrith & Cockermouth were proposed.
Westmorland - assume unaltered because no mention.
Cheshire - some new divisions but not such a radical redrawing.
Lancashire - Nelson & Colne and Wigan were left unchanged but welcome to...Blackrod, Fleetwood, Morecambe, Urmston, Blackburn Darwen, Blackburn North, Preston Fulwood, Preston Walton-le-Dale, St. Helens East and West, Liverpool Bootle, North East and South East and so on...and split wards!
www.dropbox.com/sh/o85upm0s1nv3up6/AAA_Q6qHYeNgG5VEAD2XMJbva?dl=0
The quality is iffy but it is just about readable.
Part 1. North West Counties
Cumberland - to lose two seats - constituencies of Carlisle, Whitehaven & Workington and Penrith & Cockermouth were proposed.
Westmorland - assume unaltered because no mention.
Cheshire - some new divisions but not such a radical redrawing.
Lancashire - Nelson & Colne and Wigan were left unchanged but welcome to...Blackrod, Fleetwood, Morecambe, Urmston, Blackburn Darwen, Blackburn North, Preston Fulwood, Preston Walton-le-Dale, St. Helens East and West, Liverpool Bootle, North East and South East and so on...and split wards!
www.dropbox.com/sh/o85upm0s1nv3up6/AAA_Q6qHYeNgG5VEAD2XMJbva?dl=0
The quality is iffy but it is just about readable.