HC Deb 12 April 1866 vol 182 c1123
MAJOR DICKSON

said, he would beg to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether he will be prepared during the present Session to bring in a Bill to amend the Laws relating to corrupt practices at Elections, as a part of the entire scheme for amending the Representation of the People?

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

Sir, in answer to the question of the hon. and gallant Member, I have to say that I do not think Her Majesty's Government will be in a position to consider with advantage the course they may think it right to pursue with regard to corrupt practices at elections until after they shall have learnt the results of all the inquiries which have to take place before the Election Committees of the present year. Consequently I do not anticipate that, in the ordinary duration of the Session, it will be in their power to prosecute this subject. At the same time I do not give an absolute negative, because the question is one that entirely depends upon time and circumstances.