§ MR. FORBES MACKENZIEsaid, he wished to know from the hon. Member for Finsbury (Mr. T. Duncombe) what course he intended to pursue in the case of the Norwich Election Petition. He had understood that the hon. Gentleman was prepared with some proposition; hut on looking to the Votes of the day he saw no reference made to the subject. It was desirable that some course should he taken, as the name of an hon. Member was involved, and the sooner it was inquired into the better.
§ MR. T. DUNCOMBEsaid, that the House having thought fit to take the matter out of his hands last night, he did not hold himself at all responsible for the matter. No doubt, the House had placed itself in a very peculiar position with regard to the public. Here was a charge made, and there appeared to be no means of inquiry. He had been advised to refer the petition to the Committee of the hon. Member for West Surrey (Mr. Drummond) which was in nubibus. He was quite ready for inquiry, and wished to have it at the bar of the House. He believed the Tory electors had been very ill-treated by the Tory party in that House, and by the Carlton Club. Mr. Brown had no authority whatever to act as he had done. It was a fraud on the House; but Mr. Speaker had decided that a fraud on the House was not a breach of privilege. If the noble Lord (Lord J. Russell) would consent to it, he would move for the appointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the case at the time of private business on Monday next.