HC Deb 18 April 1864 vol 174 cc1272-3
MR. ADAIR

moved— That the Minutes of the Proceedings of, and the Evidence taken before the Select Committee on the Lisburn Election Petitions should be printed"— and expressed a hope that they would be placed in the hands of Members as soon as possible, because he understood that the hon. and learned Member for Youghal (Mr. Butt) had presented a petition from the petitioner in this case, which was to be taken into consideration on Thursday.

MR. LYGON

said, he did not intend to oppose the Motion of the hon. Member, but if he insisted upon bringing the proceedings of the Committee under the notice of the House and the consideration of the public, it was impossible that the House should consent to let the matter rest where it was. When the agent of the sitting Member withdrew from the Committee, he stated that he was convinced of the justice of his cause and could establish his case. It was impossible that a Committee should be allowed by an illegal act to come to an illusory conclusion, and defeat the object for which it was instituted. He regretted that the question had been mooted as it had been, because no useful object could be obtained, and injustice might be done to persons who could not defend themselves. He threw upon the Chairman of the Committee all the consequences which might follow the publication of the evidence.

Motion agreed to.

Ordered, That the Minutes of the Proceedings of, and the Evidence taken before, the Select Committee on the Lisburn Election Petitions be printed,—(Mr. Adair.)