HC Deb 29 June 1869 vol 197 cc819-20
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. SULLIVAN)

, rose to move for leave to bring in a Bill for appointing Commissioners to inquire into the existence of corrupt practices among the freemen electors of the City of Dublin. The right hon. and learned Gentleman said that if the Bill were passed the Commissioners named in the Bill would have all the powers conferred on Commissioners by the Act of 1852. He thought that inquiry was necessary, because the Report of Mr. Justice Keogh showed that an organized system of corruption existed among the freemen of Dublin. On the Report of the learned Judge the Government had moved for an Address for the appointment of a Commission; but on technical grounds the House of Lords had declined to concur in the application for a Commission. That the inquiry which the Bill proposed was necessary in the interests of purity of election was fully shown by the Report of the learned Judge (Mr. Justice Keogh) by whom the petition was tried.

Motion made, and Question proposed, That leave be given to bring in a Bill for appointing Commissioners to inquire into the existence of corrupt practices amongst the Freemen Electors of the City of Dublin."—(Mr. Attorney General for Ireland.)

COLONEL TAYLOR

objected to a Bill of such importance being brought in at so late an hour (ten minutes after two), and moved the adjournment of the debate.

After short discussion,

Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Colonel Taylor.)

The House divided:—Ayes 52; Noes 100: Majority 48.

Question again proposed.

VISCOUNT GALWAY

moved the Adjournment of the House, observing that it was a very strong measure for the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Government to force the Bill on the House at twenty-five minutes to three.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That this House do now adjourn."— (Viscount Galway.)

MR. GLADSTONE

said, he would not press the question any further, seeing that several hon. Members were opposed to allowing the measure to be brought in.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Question again proposed.

Debate adjourned till Thursday.