§ The House having resolved itself into a committee of supply,
Mr. Bernalsaid, that on a former evening, allusion had been made, in the committee of supply, to the architect of the Customhouse, Mr. Peto, which had been exceedingly prejudicial to the interest of that individual. He therefore thought the present was a proper occasion for mentioning the subject, in order, if possible, to elicit some explanation. In consequence of what had been said, that individual had been put to most serious inconvenience, and had been prevented from carrying on extensive works in which he was engaged. He was excessively anxious to meet any charge that might be brought against him, in the most direct manner; and he wished that the affair should be placed in a state of investigation as speedily as possible.
Mr. Herriessaid, it would not be proper, at present, to state all that had come within the knowledge of the Treasury, with respect to the transaction which it had been found necessary to make the subject of inquiry. Thus far, however, he would state, for the satisfaction of the hon. member, and of the individual alluded to, of the imperfect execution (to use the mildest term) that so much had appeared before the Treasury of the work in question, as rendered it more than probable, that some ulterior proceedings would be adopted. Now, however desirable it was for the individual, that the matter should be at once brought to issue, he thought the House would perceive, that it would be impossible to proceed with such rapidity. All the information necessary to make those proceedings complete must first be laid before the Treasury. He could only say, that no time should be lost in bringing the business to a decision.
Mr. Calcraftsaid, that on a former evening, when the corn returns from Ipswich were mentioned, the names of some respectable gentlemen were allnded to, as being concerned in the formation of those fictitious returns. It was, he un- 1355 derstood, stated on the next day by a right hon. gentleman (Mr. Huskisson), that an inquiry would be instituted on the subject. If such a course had been taken, he wished the result to be stated to the House; as it was important that they should have correct information with respect to the making up of those corn averages. He was not in the House on a former occasion, when some conversation had taken place relative to Mr. Peto. He now wished to say, that he had communicated with that individual on a work of considerable extent, and in its execution he had shown great skill and despatch. He had not, on that occasion, done any thing derogatory to the character of a man of honour. He felt it necessary to bear this testimony, which he could do most conscientiously, as to what he knew of Mr. Peto in this particular transaction.
§ Mr. Huskissonsaid, he had called on the inspector of corn returns to investigate the subject to which the hon. member had referred, and which was one of great importance; but he had not, up to the present moment, received the report of that individual. As the names of most respectable persons had been mentioned, it was proper that the business should be explained.
Alderman Woodinquired, whether any legal proceedings had been instituted by the Treasury against Mr. Peto, for not performing his contract? That individual had been very much alarmed and injured by a statement which had gone forth, that his property had been seized, under an extent from the Crown; and he wished it to be clearly understood whether there was any foundation for that report.
Mr. Herriessaid, there was no truth in the statement: no legal proceedings whatever had been instituted.