EXETER ELECTION PETITION.

HC Deb 12 April 1911 vol 24 cc497-8

Mr. FRANCE

asked if and when the House would have an opportunity of discussing the Exeter Election Petition?

Mr. SPEAKER

I understand that the hon. Member has some grievance against the judges who tried that petition. If so there is a method of procedure which is open to this House. There is only one procedure, and the hon. Member must take that method and no other.

Mr. SWIFT MacNEILL

May I ask the Prime Minister whether, having regard to the statement of Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman in June, 1906, that he had long regarded the present system of trying-election petitions by judges as unsatisfactory, he will consider the advisability of instituting by legislation some such alteration of the system as will command greater confidence?

The PRIME MINISTER

Obviously I cannot be expected to give any pledge on a subject of that kind, but the matter shall have consideration.