HC Deb 04 July 1859 vol 154 cc613-4
COLONEL DUNNE

said, he rose to move for a Select Committee to inquire into the principle adopted for making contracts for the Public Departments, and the effect which the present system had on the expenditure of public money. The Committee had already sat several Sessions, and it was desirable that its inquiry should be completed. Already a great mass of evidence had been collected, and he hoped that during the present Session the Committee might conclude its labours.

MR. SIDNEY HERBERT

said, he wished to ask the hon. and gallant Member whether he would confine the inquiry to any particular class of contracts. Its object was very extensive; it had sat several years; some of the original Members had disappeared from the House, either by the will of the electors, or by removal to another world; and there was no prospect of the Committee reporting.

COLONEL DUNNE

said, he did not propose to extend the inquiry beyond naval und military contracts. As for the Committee reporting, he did not believe they would ever be able to do that; for they could not report until the accounts at Weedon were made up, and he did not believe that any man living could make up those accounts.

Motion agreed to.

House adjourned at Seven o'clock.