§ Mr. Peasepresented a petition from William Prentice, now a prisoner in Newgate, having been guilty of a breach of privilege of the House, in having refused to answer certain questions put to him by the Yar- 215 mouth Election Committee. The petitioner prayed that he might be allowed to appear before the Committee, to be examined in all matters not criminating himself. He intended to move, "That the Speaker do issue his warrant to have William Prentice, now in Newgate, brought before the Yarmouth Committee tomorrow." If this person gave satisfactory answers to the questions put to him, he trusted that the House would consent to his discharge.
§ Dr. Nichollunderstood from his noble Friend, the Chairman of the Committee, that this individual was not unwilling to be examined; but he only withheld his evidence in consequence of the threats that had been thrown out, that legal proceedings would be instituted against him in consequence of the part he had taken in the Yarmouth election; and he feared that the evidence he might be called upon to give would be made to tell against him.
§ Petition laid on the table.
§ Mr. Peasemoved "That the Speaker do issue his warrant to have William Prentice brought up from Newgate to be examined tomorrow before the Yarmouth Committee."
§ Agreed to.