HC Deb 16 April 1891 vol 352 cc678-9
MR. MORTON (Peterborough)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether it is true that warrants have been issued against two Members of this House for criminal offences; and whether it is also true that both Members have left this country, and are now out of the jurisdiction of our Law Courts?

MR. MATTHEWS

The answer to the first paragraph is in the affirmative. So far as my information goes, both Members are now out of the jurisdiction. I am permitted to read a telegram addressed by the hon. Member for North Bucks (Captain Verney) from Paris to Mr. Speaker in these terms— Seeing a question is to be asked about me in the House, it is my duty to inform you that as soon as I heard in Italy that a warrant had been issued for my arrest, I started at once and expect to reach London to-morrow.—VERNEY.

MR. MORTON

Arising out of the answer of the right hon. Gentleman, may I ask whether, if an application is made for the Chiltern Hundreds by either of the two hon. Members, the Government will undertake not to grant it?

ME. SPEAKER

Order, order! The hon. Member must give notice of that question.