§ MR. MUNDELLAasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, seeing that the Corrupt Practices Bill introduced by the Government has reference solely to Parliamentary Elections, it is the intention of the Government to introduce a Bill during the present Session for the prevention of Corrupt Practices in Municipal Elections?
MR. GLADSTONEIt is evident, Sir, from the terms of the Question, that my hon. Friend appreciates the reason why the Government has not attempted to combine the two subjects of Parliamentary and Municipal Elections in one Bill—namely, because an entirely different machinery is required; and there is a question to be considered and decided, as to the tribunal before which persons accused of corrupt practices at municipal elections should be tried. We quite concur with those who think that great necessity exists for a Bill dealing with corrupt practices at municipal elections. At the same time, it is not possible for me, at this period of the Session, to indicate the time at which we can bring forward such a measure. It must depend upon the progress of business, though we have every disposition to avail ourselves of the earliest opportunity of dealing with the subject.