§ Mr. Wallaceheld in his hand a provincial newspaper, which stated that 180,000l.. had been given as hush-money by parties recently engaged in smuggling into the port of London, and that one of the Custom-house functionaries had realized a fortune of 80,000l. He mentioned the subject in thorough conviction that, there 876 was no truth in the rumour, and in the hope that the report of the commissioners would contain all the names of the delinquents.
§ Lord Granville Somersethaving received notice of the intention of the hon. Member to ask the question, had communicated with the authorities at the Custom-house, and he could assure the House that there was not the slightest degree of truth in the first allegation alluded to. Several prosecutions had been instituted against persons supposed to be implicated in defrauding the Customs, and he could state that no proposal for a compromise had been made, or if made would be accepted. As to the sum of 80,000l. having been realised by an individual, the hon. Member would see that he had no power to make himself acquainted with the fact either way. All he would say was, that, as far as the Government was concerned, the inquiries and the proceedings would be prosecuted to the utmost.