HC Deb 27 February 1843 vol 66 c1339
Mr. Speaker

acquainted the House, that the Serjeant-at-Arms attending this House had a communication to make to the House:— Whereupon the Serjeant was called to the Bar, and informed the House, that he and William Bellamy, a Messenger of this House, had received writs of summons at the suit of Thomas Burton Howard, by his attorney Thomas Howard, in actions of trespass: as the nature of the trespass was not stated, he thought it right to enter an appearance. On Saturday last he was served with a declaration, which shews that the suit is in consequence of his having taken Thomas Burton Howard into custody; and that the suit against William Bellamy is for having taken Thomas Burton Howard to the prison of Newgate. As both these acts were done by order of this House, and under Mr. Speaker's warrant, he hoped they would have the protection of the House, and the directions of the House as to the course which they are to pursue. And then he delivered in the said writs and declarations, which were read at the Table.

The Solicitor General

said, he was not about to make any motion on the subject of the communication that had been just made. The more satisfactory course would be to have the papers just presented printed with the votes, and he gave notice that he should to-morrow submit a motion upon the subject to the consideration of the House.

Lord John Russell

believed that some action had occurred during the recess, in regard to the Serjeant-at-Arms and his deputy, in which a sum of money had been paid to the plaintiff, by order of the Treasury. If that were so, although the proceeding might be quite right, he thought those papers also should be laid before the House.

Sir Robert Peel

replied, that whatever information the Government were in possession of should be laid before the House.

Papers to be printed.