HC Deb 31 July 1843 vol 71 c8
Mr. Christopher

, after referring to the proceedings in the case on Friday evening, said, he thought it was clear beyond all doubt, by the evidence given before the committee, that this individual had been in the habit for the last two or three months of going about the country, and of extensively forging petitions to that House on the subject of the Corn-laws. If they had any wish to vindicate their privileges, they must notice a proceeding of this kind. In 1827 a person was committed to Newgate for forging only one name to a petition, but this person had forged the names of several hundred persons. Under these circumstances he had no hesitation in asking the House to consent to his motion, that Samuel Potts be committed to Newgate, having been guilty of a high breach of the privileges of this House.

Mr. Villiers

denied that there was any evidence to warrant the hon. Gentleman saying, that this person had been employed or hired to go about the country to obtain names.

Motion agreed to. Speaker directed to issue his warrant accordingly.

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