HC Deb 08 August 1892 vol 7 cc79-81
*MR. SPEAKER

acquainted the House that he had received a Letter from Mr. William O'Brien, returned as Member for the City of Cork and also for the North East Division of Cork County, making his election to serve for the City of Cork, as followeth—

6th August, 1892.

Sir,

Having been returned as Member of this House for two constituencies, namely,—Cork City and the North East Division of Cork County, I beg to inform you that I intend to take my seat for the City of Cork.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

WILLIAM O'BRIEN.

Right Hon. Arthur Peel, M.P.,

Speaker.

ELECTIONS. Ordered, That all Members who are returned for two or more places in any part of the United Kingdom do make their election for which of the places they will serve, within one week after it shall appear that there is no question upon the Return for that place; and if anything shall come in question touching the Return or Election of any Member, he is to withdraw during the time the matter is in debate; and that all Members returned upon double Returns do withdraw till their Returns are determined. Resolved, That no Peer of the Realm, except such Peers of Ireland as shall for the time being be actually elected, and shall not have declined to serve, for any county, city, or borough of Great Britain, bath any right to give his vote in the Election of any Member to serve in Parliament.

Resolution proposed, That it is a high infringement of the liberties and privileges of the Commons of the United Kingdom for any Lord of Parliament, or other Peer or Prelate, not being a Peer of Ireland at the time elected, and not having declined to serve for any county, city, or borough of Great Britain, to concern himself in the Election of Members to serve for the Commons in Parliament, except only any Peer of Ireland, at such Elections in Great Britain respectively where such Peer shall appear as a Candidate, or by himself, or any others, be proposed to be elected; or for any Lord Lieutenant or Governor of any county to avail himself of any authority derived from his Commission, to influence the Election of any Member to serve for the Commons in Parliament.

SIR WILFRID LAWSON (Cumberland, Cockermouth)

Before this is carried, Mr. Speaker, may I ask you whether the House has any means of enforcing this Resolution?

*MR SPEAKER

It is scarcely a point of Order upon which the hon. Baronet asks me the question. No case has arisen; but if the hon. Baronet knows of any instance in which it is alleged such Order has been infringed it is for him to bring such case before the House, and for the House to take such action as it may think proper.

Resolution agreed to. Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person hath been elected or returned a Member of this House, or endeavoured so to be, by Bribery, or any other corrupt practices, this House will proceed with the utmost severity against all such persons as shall have been wilfully concerned in such Bribery or other corrupt practices.

WITNESSES. Rosolved, That if it shall appear that any person hath been tampering with any Witness, in respect of his evidence to be given to this House, or any Committee thereof, or directly or indirectly bath endeavoured to defer or hinder any person from appearing or giving evidence, the same is declared to he a high crime and misdemeanor; and this House will proceed with the utmost severity against such offender. Resolved, That if it shall appear that any person hath given false evidence in any case before this House, or any Committee thereof this House will proceed with the utmost severity against such offender.

METROPOLITAN POLICE. Ordered, That the Commissioners of the Police of the Metropolis do take care that, during the Session of Parliament, the passages through the streets leading to this House be kept free and open, and that no obstruction be permitted to hinder the passage of Members to and from this House, and that no disorder be allowed in Westminster Hall, or in the passages leading to this House, during the sitting of Parliament, and that there be no annoyance therein or thereabouts; and that the Serjeant at Arms attending this House do communicate this Order to the Commissioners aforesaid.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS. Ordered, That the Votes and Proceedings of this House be printed, being first perused by Mr. Speaker; and that he do appoint the printing thereof; and that no person but such as he shall appoint do presume to print the same.

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