HC Deb 08 July 1857 vol 146 cc1150-1

House informed, that the Committee had determined—

That Charles Neate, esquire, is not duly elected a Citizen to serve in this present Parliament for the City of Oxford.

That the last Election for the said City, so far as regards the Return of the said Charles Neate, esquire, is a void Election.

And the said Determinations were ordered to be entered in the Journals of this House.

House further informed, that the Committee had agreed to the following Resolutions—

That Charles Neate, esquire, was, by his Agents, guilty of bribery at the last Election for the City of Oxford.

That it was proved before the Committee, that during the said Election 198 persons were employed by the Committee of the said Charles Neate, esquire, as poll-clerks and messengers, 152 of whom voted for the said Charles Neate, esquire, and who subsequently received from the Agents of the said Charles Neate, esquire, payment in sums varying from £1 to 2s. 6d.

That these sums were paid under the pretence of remuneration for services as messengers and runners during the Election, and although it was not proved before the Committee that these payments to the voters were the primary motive in deciding their votes, yet it appeared to the Committee that, in many of the cases, no adequate services or work were in reality performed.

That it was proved to the Committee that the aforesaid acts of bribery were committed without the knowledge and consent of the said Charles Neate, esquire.

That it was proved to the Committee that there was treating to some extent at the last Election for the said City; but it was not proved to have taken place by the order or authority of the said Charles Neate, esquire, or his Agents.

That the Committee do not think it right to recommend that the issue of a new Writ for the said City of Oxford shall be suspended.

Report to lie on the Table.

Minutes of Evidence taken before the Committee to be laid before this House.