HC Deb 09 May 1898 vol 57 c691
MR. GILES (Cambridge, Wisbech)

I beg to ask Mr. Attorney General whether in consequence of the decision in the Chelsea Petition he will introduce a Bill to make illegal the supplying of food and drink during an election to electors, whether professed supporters or opponents?

THE ATTORNEY GENERAL (Sir R. WEBSTER,) Isle of Wight

I cannot undertake to introduce a Bill, as in my opinion the existing law is sufficient to make illegal the practice referred to in the Question of my honourable and learned Friend. I have some difficulty in reconciling the decision in the Chelsea case with previous decisions. It must have proceeded upon some special view of the facts proved.