Lord John Russellmoved for leave to bring in a Bill to repeal, consolidate, amend, and render more effectual the laws relating to bribery at elections.
§ Mr. John Campbellwished to learn from the noble Lord, whether it was his intention to introduce a clause in his Bill, requiring persons elected Members of Parliament to take an oath at the Table of that House that they had not been guilty, directly or indirectly, of any corrupt practices previously to taking their seats? If such a provision was not found in the Bill he should bring the subject under the consideration of the House.
Lord John Russellhad no intention of requiring such an oath, and there was no provision of the kind alluded to, in the Bill he proposed to bring in.
Sir Robert Peelwas surprised that the noble Lord had not thought proper to favour the House with any outline of the provisions of the Bill. The noble Lord should, at least, do that.
Lord John Russellsaid, that in the then exhausted state of the House he was unwilling to trespass at any length upon their attention, and, therefore, he wished to postpone till the second reading any statement which it might be necessary for him to make.
Sir Robert Peelbegged it to be understood, that as he was unacquainted with the Bill, so he made no objection to it.
§ Mr. Huntsaid, that the only way to prevent bribery was, to give the electors the right of voting by ballot; and he should move a clause having that object in view.
§ Leave given, and Bill ordered to be brought in.