HC Deb 28 May 1868 vol 192 c1011

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE moved— That it be an Instruction to the Select Committee on Boundaries of Boroughs that they have power to consider the Petitions presented to this House on the subject of the places of nomination for County Elections; that the Petitions from South Molton, Barnstaple, Torrington, and Ilfracombe, relative to the place of nomination for the Northern Division of the county of Devon, be referred to the Committee.

SIR WILLIAM STIRLING MAXWELL

said, the Committee had nearly concluded its labours, and was almost ready to report, and he did not think it reasonable that this new duty should be imposed upon the Members. The subject was one which was not submitted to the Boundary Commissioners; the Committee did not think it should be submitted to them, and he therefore hoped that the right hon. Gentleman would not press the Instruction.

MR. CRAUFURD

also hoped the Motion would not be pressed.

SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

said, as he understood from his right hon. Friend the Chairman of the Committee (Mr. Walpole) that this was a business that they would not be willing to undertake, he would not press the Motion; but he thought it right to move the Instruction, because a desire had been expressed that the question should be referred to the Committee.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.