HC Deb 14 June 1853 vol 128 cc229-32
MR. BENTINCK

said, he would now beg to nominate the Members of the Select Committee to inquire into the Durham Election Petitions.

Motion made, and Question proposed— That the following Members be Members of the Select Committee on the Durham Election Petitions:—Mr. Bentinck, Colonel Biddulph, Mr. Fellowes, Mr. Robert Phillimore, and Mr. Isaac Butt.

MR. HUTT

said, he objected to the list because there was not one Member on it, with the exception of Mr. Fellowes, who had been a Member of the House for more than twelve months. He should, therefore, move as an Amendment, that the Committee of Selection should be instructed to name five Members to inquire into the Durham Election Petitions.

Amendment proposed— To leave out from the word 'That' to the end of the Question, in order to add the words 'it be an Instruction to the General Committee of Elections to select a Chairman and four other Members to be the Select Committee on the Durham Election Petitions.

SIR JOHN TROLLOPE

said, the Amendment was not in accordance with the Act of Parliament, which determined the functions of the Committee of Selection, and he, as Chairman of it, was opposed to such a duty being devolved on it. Very dangerous and disagreeable precedents would be created if the present inconsistent proceedings with regard to Election Committees were continued.

MR. MITCHELL

said, he thought the House ought to deal with this case as that of Berwick had been dealt with.

MR. NEWDEGATE

said, he should support the nomination of the Committee.

SIR BENJAMIN HALL

said, he thought it would be best to accede to the proposition of the hon. Member for Gateshead (Mr. Hutt).

MR. BENTINCK

said, he had supposed the course he proposed to be the right one; but as the composition of the Committee did not seem to meet the approbation of the House, he was quite willing to accept the Amendment which had been moved.

Question, "That the words proposed to be left out stand part of the Question," put, and negatived.

Words added.

Main Question, as amended, put, and agreed to.

Power to Committee to send for persons, papers, and records.

The House adjourned at half after Two o'clock.