§ Mr. HawesAs Her Majesty's Government have consented to the appointment of the Committee of which I gave notice, viz., "A Select Committee to inquire into the allegations of the Petition of the South Eastern Railway Company, under their common seal, presented on the 26th of June," and as the hon. and gallant Captain the Clerk of the Board of Ordnance is present, I think I shall best discharge my duty by simply moving for that Committee, unaccompanying the Motion by any further statement. The hon. Member accordingly made the Motion.
§ Captain BolderoI think, Sir, that I shall, in rising to second the Motion, best perform my duty by following the example of the hon. Gentleman. At the same time, I cannot forbear stating that both Mr. Bonham and myself are extremely anxious that the investigation shall be of the most searching character.
§ Mr. HawesI am glad to hear the expressions which have fallen from the hon. and gallant Member. I trust that neither will there be any opposition to the order of reference for which I also mean to move. My object is to extend the inquiry to the circumstances connected with the progress of this Bill through the House in 1836. If there be any objection, I shall probably be in a condition to present a petition on the subject. I should rather have the order of reference, if not objected to; but if it is, I shall take futher steps on a subsequent day.
§ Sir R. PeelI think there should be some foundation for a Motion of this sort. I think it would be better if the hon. Member had a foundation for the extension of his Motion.
§ Sir R. PeelI beg it may be clearly understood, that I did not make the suggestion for the purpose of throwing any impediments in the way of inquiry. I know nothing whatever of the facts of the case.
§ Motion agreed to. Committee to be nominated.