BARNSTAPLE ELECTION COMMITTEE.

HC Deb 21 April 1853 vol 126 c157

MR. W. O. STANLEY

appeared at the bar, and brought up the report of the Barnstaple Election Committee, which stated, that the Committee had determined— That Sir William Augustus Fraser, baronet, and Richard Bremridge, esquire, are not duly elected Burgesses to serve in this present Parliament for the Borough of Barnstaple. That the last Election for the said Borough is a void Election. Also that Sir William Augustus Fraser, baronet, and Richard Bremridge, esquire, were, by their agents, guilty of bribery and treating at the last Election. That it was proved to the satisfaction of the Committee, that corrupt practices have extensively prevailed in the borough of Barnstaple, during the last and former Elections.

Report to lie on the table.

Minutes of Evidence to be laid before this House.

MR. W. O. STANLEY

I now move that the issue of the writ for the borough of Barnstaple be suspended for six weeks.

An HON. MEMBER

You must give notice of Motion.

MR. W. O. STANLEY

Then I give notice that I will move to-morrow to that effect. I have also to give notice that, when the evidence is in the hands of Members, I will move that a Commission be appointed to inquire into the corrupt practices which prevailed at the last election for Barnstaple. So far I have been ordered by the Committee. I have now to state, upon my own account, that it is my intention to call the attention of the House to the circumstances attending the last election at Barnstaple, with a view to further measures, when the Report is before the House.