§ MR. KENNYasked Mr. Attorney General, If his attention had been called to paragraphs, prominently printed, and appearing with increased frequency in London daily papers, which announce the intention of persons, mostly Members of Parliament and Parliamentary candidates, and sometimes Members of Her Majesty's Government, to give free breakfasts to unemployed workmen and other deserving persons: and, whether, considering the near approach of a General Election, such acts will betaken into consideration as constituting violations of "The Parliamentary Elections (Corrupt and Illegal Practices) Act, 1883?"
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)I have a very limited knowledge of what takes place in relation to these free breakfasts. As far as I have seen, they have been given by gentlemen in localities with which they have no connection either as Representa- 1862 tives or in respect to any future candidature, and they are given to persons who are not voters, and from whom no advantage can be obtained. I therefore cannot say that they constitute a corrupt practice.
§ LORD RANDOLPH CHURCHILLI wish to ask the hon. and learned Gentleman if the Radical candidate for the borough of Fulham gives free breakfasts in the borough of St. George's-in-the-East, and if the Radical candidate for the borough of St. George's-in-the-East gives free breakfasts to the unemployed in the borough of Fulham; and whether such reciprocity of action on the part of two candidates would not constitute an obvious evasion of the Corrupt Practices Act? I wish to ask the Attorney General what guarantee there can be that the Radical friend of the Radical candidate in any borough actually defrays the cost of the free breakfast provided?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES)If any other hon. Member but the noble Lord had put this Question, I should have considered it one of an argumentative character. This Question is purely hypothetical. I know of no such facts having occurred as he has referred to; but if, when they actually occur, the noble Lord would put his Question I will endeavour to answer it.