Elusive recovery
Sir: I wonder if one of your correspondents with a fair knowledge of constitutional law might be able to answer a point that I was reminded of by J. W. M. Thompson. when I read in his column (13 December) that there are seventeen months—until May 1971 —between now and the last possible date for the next general election. As the last election occurred on 31 March 1966. one would have thought that, under Clause 7 of the 1911 Parliament Act, which quite clearly lays down five years as the maxi- mum life a Parliament can exist for, 31 March 1971 would be the date with the ring round it on Mr Wilson's calendar. But not so. he can go until May.
By what devious trick has he gained these extra two months?
M. Parry Holly Lodge. 15 Manorgate Foad, Kingston- upon-Thames, Surrey J. W. M. Thompson writes: The five years is calculated from the beginning of a Par- liament to its dissolution, not from general election to general election. Hence the 'extra months'.
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