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MR. WHALLEY moved for a Return—
of the sum expended in relation to the Tichborne Prosecution and all proceedings arising out of and connected therewith or resulting therefrom, and in such Return to specify the amount paid to each witness examined, and also to such persons as were subpoenaed to attend as witnesses, but were not called upon to give evidence.
The reason, he said, why he did so was that it came to his knowledge that a considerable number of witnesses were kept in London to whom large sums of money were paid, and were sent back
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without being examined. He could not properly call attention to the manner in which the prosecution was conducted unless he had the names of persons who came from a great distance, some from Ireland and elsewhere. He brought the subject under the notice of the Treasury, but it was of no use; and he might state that if any objection were made to the present Return he would take it in any form.
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Motion made, and Question proposed,
That there he laid before this House, a Return of the sum expended in relation to the Tichborne Prosecution and all proceedings arising out of and connected therewith or resulting therefrom, and in such Return to specify the amount paid to each witness examined, and also to such persons as were subpoenaed to attend as witnesses, but were not called upon to give evidence."—(Mr. Whalley.)
§ MR. W. H. SMITHregretted that he was not able to comply with the terms of the Motion. It was contrary to all precedent and to public policy to give the names of the witnesses; but he was prepared to give him information with regard to the amounts paid for counsels' fees, to witnesses, to law 2026 stationers, and to shorthand writers. The total cost was £55,315 17s. 1d, The amount of counsels' fees was £23,642, of which £1,146 was paid in 1872–3, and £22,495 in 1873–4; the witnesses were paid in 1872–3 £823, in 1873–4 £8,839—total, £9,662. The shorthand writers had received £3,493; the jury, £3,780; law stationers and printing, £9,237. Of the whole costs £49,815 had been paid; the estimated amount of expenditure unpaid was, for Australian and Chili witnesses £4,000; other witnesses, agents, printing, &c, £1,500—total yet to pay, £5,500; making the total costs what he had stated £55,315 17s. 1d. If the hon. Gentleman would withdraw his Motion he would lay the whole particulars on the Table of the House.
§ MR. WHALLEYsaid, he would withdraw his Motion and take any Return the hon. Gentleman would give him.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ House adjourned at One o'clock till Monday next