SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTEI wish, Sir, to say a word upon a question which affects the privileges of Members of this House, and also to give some explanation to hon. Gentlemen who came down to-day at the morning sitting of the cause of my absence when a Bill connected with my Department was down for discussion. The circumstances were these:—The election for North Devon took place on Saturday last; I was declared duly elected, and, as I understand, the Under Sheriff sent up by post the Writ containing the notice of my return to an agent in London. The agent was not aware of the necessity for rapidity in his proceedings, and instead of bringing or sending down the Writ here yesterday, or even at an early hour to-day, he did not bring it until after the proceedings of the morning sitting had commenced. It was not brought here until about one o'clock to-day, although it arrived in London yesterday morning. I do not wish to make any complaint. I have reason to believe that the matter was an oversight arising from ignorance on the part of the agent, and that there was no intention of delaying the business of this House. But it is obvious that some inconvenience was occasioned. The circumstances might have been such as to make it a very serious matter that a delay should take place to 943 the return of a Writ. I have made inquiry, and am informed that Writs are very often sent in this manner instead of being sent, as I think they ought always to be, by post to the Clerk of the Crown, and I am bound to say it would be very convenient if a Standing Order should be made, or some other method should be taken, for insuring the rapid transmission of Writs to the House. I do not intend to make any Motion; but I thought it my duty to call the attention of the House, and yours. Sir, to the circumstance, and also to offer an explanation for not being in my place this morning.