§ On the Sessional Order relating to the return of Members for two or more places,
§ MR. VESEY KNOX (Londonderry)said the order was somewhat ambiguous in its wording, having regard to the fact that there were, under various Acts, various periods within which petition might be presented. Twenty-one days after the return (not counting Sundays), was the time under the old Corrupt Practices Act. He wished to ask what, in a case such as had occurred, of a 61 Member of the House who was at a distance—in Australia—was the course he should pursue to inform the Speaker of his intention as to which of the two places ho would sit for, within a week, which was the time allowed by the rule?
§ MR. SPEAKERreplied that the Sessional Order stated that a Member returned for two places should make his election. It was for the House to say in each particular case whether it was satisfied that the Member had made his election. The Order itself did not state whether it was to be made by a Member in his place in the House, by letter, or otherwise. Each particular case must be decided on the particular facts brought to the notice of the House.
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, hath any right to give his vote in the Election of any Member to serve in Parliament.
Resolved, 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 62 authority derived from his Commission, to influence the Election of any Member to serve for the Commons in Parliament.
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.