§ MR. LEWISasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, having regard to the serious questions affecting seven Constituencies at present deprived either wholly or in part of their representation in this House, and also relating to the conduct at recent Elections of two Cabinet Ministers, raised by the Amendment on the Second Reading of the Corrupt Practices (Disfranchisement) Bill, he will fix an early day, after the disposal of the Budget Resolutions, for the discussion on the Second Reading?
THE MARQUESS OF HARTINGTONSir, on behalf of my right hon. Friend, I have to say that the Government are perfectly aware of the importance of the questions affecting several constituencies which are raised by the Bill referred to in the Question of the hon. Member. With reference, however, to a paragraph in the Question, I am unable to admit that the conduct of two Members of Her Majesty's Government has been impugned by anyone except the hon. Member himself. The fact is that both the right hon. Gentlemen referred to were examined by the Commissioners, and in neither case was the slightest censure passed on them. I am unable, therefore, to admit that the intention of the hon. Gentleman to bring forward certain not specified charges against them constitutes any degree of urgency; but the Government are conscious of the importance of the Bill, and it is with very great regret that I have to state that we are at this moment unable to fix a day for the discussion.
§ MR. LEWISgave Notice that on that day week he would move the issue of new Writs for the cities of Gloucester and Chester, and that, with respect to Chester, he would then state the charge against the right hon. Gentleman the President of the Local Government Board.