§ MR. BRAND (Cambridge, Wisbech)I beg to ask the Attorney General whether, in consideration of the 44 proximity of the General Election, expenses incurred by Parliamentary candidates at the present moment come within the meaning of the "Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act, 1883," and should be included in the Return made to the returning officer, in accordance with Section 33 of the said Act?
SIR R. WEBSTERThe question of the hon. Member implies that the date at which the expenses are incurred is the only important consideration. This is not the fact, as, according to the "Corrupt and Illegal Practices Prevention Act, 1883," if expense is incurred "on account of or in respect of the conduct or management of an election" such expense must be included in the maximum amount allowed. The question is in every case one of fact as to whether the expenses fall within the description to which I have referred—namely, of expenses "relating to the conduct or management of an election." I am afraid that no other general answer can be given.
§ MR. COBBI would ask the hon. and learned Gentleman whether a sitting Member is responsible for these expanses?