§ Captain CLIVEasked the Attorney General whether his attention has been, called to an infringement of the Corrupt and Illegal Practices Act, 1883, during the Middleton by-election, when favours were distributed from the door of the Liberal committee room to the crowd in the street; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSThe only evidence in my possession is that of a reproduction of a photograph which appeared in the "Manchester Guardian," to which my attention was called by the hon. Member. It is said to be a bad picture, and does not afford sufficient evidence of an offence under the Corrupt Practices Act. I know nothing further of it, but I am making inquiries into the matter to see if there is any other evidence.
§ Captain CLIVEDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that the photograph to which his attention has been called can be otherwise than accurate?
§ Sir RUFUS ISAACSThe photograph which I saw, depicted a small crowd of children holding up their hands, and a man at the door of the committee room holding up his hands. That is not, in my opinion, sufficient evidence.