Sir R. Inglismoved, that a petition he had presented to the House yesterday evening, from Lord George Hill, stating that some of the names signed to the petition from Carrickfergus, complaining of his return, had been forged, be referred to a Committee. This was an important subject, involving the privileges of the House, which was quite sufficient ground on which to rest his Motion. He might assert the fact which constituted the offence on the authority of the noble Lord the sitting member for Carrickfergus, and he did not suppose, that the House could object to the Motion.
§ Viscount Palmerstonhad some doubts as to the propriety of the course recommended, but would leave the matter to the decision of the House.
Mr. Humethought the statements of the forgery ought to be first verified on oath, as had been done in other cases.
Sir A. Chichesteropposed the Motion, and stated, that the petition complained of was an election petition, complaining of the noble Lord's return, and accusing him of corrupt practices. It was a genuine petition, and not a fraud, as alleged by the hon. Baronet.
Sir James Grahamwas of opinion, as it touched the privileges of the House, that the Motion should be granted.
Sir A. Chichesterbore testimony to the character of some of the petitioners, and denied that the statements against them were substantiated.
§ Motion agreed to, and Committee appointed forthwith, to report on the petition to the House.