HC Deb 26 February 1885 vol 294 cc1409-10
MR. JESSE COLLINGS

asked Mr. Attorney General, If his attention has been called to the fact that tickets, of which the following is a copy, are being largely distributed by the Conservative Association in Birmingham:— Small Heath Conservative Association. Relief for the Unemployed. The hearer is entitled to goods to the value of sixpence upon presenting this ticket to Mr.—Grocer. and that these tickets are stamped with the name of the Ward Conservative Association which issues them, and with the name and address of the Secretary of the Association; and, whether this proceeding is a violation of the Corrupt Practices Act?

THE ATTOTRNEY GENERAL (Sir HENRY JAMES),

in reply, said, the only information that he had on the subject was a copy of the ticket that had been sent to him, and which appeared to have been issued. He was very unwilling to express any opinion in anticipation of matters that might come up for legal decision; but he thought everyone would agree with him that any connection between political organizations and free gifts of money or food was to be regretted, and ought to be avoided if possible. If any Association, Liberal or Conservative, had asked his advice on such a subject, he would have certainly suggested that there were grave doubts as to the legality of the practice. If any candidate were to accept the services of an organization concerned in such proceedings he would run considerable risk.