HL Deb 12 May 1834 vol 23 cc858-9

Their Lordships proceeded to the examination of witnesses in support of this Bill.

The Messenger of their Lordships' House, who had been sent down to Warwick to serve the witnesses, suspected to be kept out of the way, was examined as to the service of the summonses to appear issued by their Lordships. He again stated, that he called at Mr. Oram's house to serve him, but could not obtain an interview. He called again on him, after making an appointment to meet him, but he was from home. Witness left the summons. He, nearly in the same way, and in the same words, detailed his attempts to serve Lapworth, Trepas, and Dingley, but that they were ineffectual.

The Earl of Durham

said, that after what had transpired, he felt authorised to move, that the Lord Chancellor do issue his warrant to apprehend these persons so absenting themselves, as guilty of a contempt. He had no doubt they had voluntarily absented themselves. They had in the same way absconded, when the inquiry was instituted in the Commons upon the Warwick election; at which election it had been proved, they had accepted bribes. With the conviction, that this proceeding would bring forward these defaulters, he moved that they be taken into the custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms.

The Duke of Wellington

was of opinion, that the cases made out against these parties would not justify, as yet, their being proceeded against for contempt.

The Lord Chancellor

remarked, that as to two of these persons, there was no evidence whatever on which to found their apprehension. As to Oram, he should recommend that if Oram did not appear by Thursday or Friday, then he should be considered guilty of a contempt, and taken into custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms. Perhaps the same course might, with safety, be pursued as to another of these parties—Dingley.

The Motion of the Earl of Durham was negatived.

It was suggested by the Lord Chancellor, that notices should be served at the houses of Dingley and Oram, that their presence would be required at the Bar of the House on Friday, and that the service at the houses of Trepas and Lapworth should be good after the expiration of ten days.

This suggestion was adopted.