HC Deb 24 July 1850 vol 113 cc184-5
VISCOUNT DUNCAN

begged, with the permission of the House, to make a statement relative to a matter affecting the privileges of the House. It would be in the recollection of the House that not very long ago he directed the attention of the noble Lord the Chief Commissioner of Sewers to the fact that the signature to a certain return with respect to the Victoria-street sewers was "Francis Foster," while he was told the name of the individual was "Frank Forster." His observations had been made the subject of comment in the Court of Sewers; and Mr. Forster stated that— The manuscript of the Sessional Paper referred to was not signed 'Francis' Foster, but 'Frank Forster,' and that the signature is mine; and I have further to add, that for the last twelve or thirteen years I have never signed my name otherwise than as Frank Forster. I never in my life wrote my surname as Foster. Previously to that (twelve or thirteen years ago) I signed my Christian name as Frans, Francis, or Frank, indifferently, being always called and known as Frank, and by all my relations, and many others, addressed so by letter. A doubt having been thrown on the signature attached to the return, he (Viscount Duncan) had thought it his duty to put himself in communication with Messrs. Hansard, whose correctness in printing was well known to hon. Members. He wrote to Messrs. Hansard as follows:— 15, Hill-street, July 16, 1850. Dear Sir—I beg to enclose a return to the House of Commons (Victoria-street sewer), Sessional Paper 481. I have been informed by Lord Ebrington that the signature which I have under lined, Francis Foster, is a misprint for Frank Forster. Will you have the kindness to compare the signature with the original, and let me know whether it is a typographical error, and whether the signature is Frank or Francis.—I remain yours faithfully, "DUNCAN. Mr. Whiteman, Messrs. Hansard's, Old Turnstile, Lincoln-inn Fields. The following was the reply:— House of Commons Printing-office. My Lord—I beg respectfully to acknowledge your letter of to-day, and am directed by Mr. Hansard to inform you that the name 'Francis Foster' referred to is correctly printed from the manuscript.—I have the honour to he your obedient servant (pro Mr. Henry Hansard), Viscount Duncan." "G. WHITEMAN. Under these circumstances he thought he was perfectly justified in making the statement he had made on a former occasion.

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