§ The EARL of DEVON moved the Second Reading of this Bill, observing that the corrupt proceedings which had been brought to light by inquiries made by the other House of Parliament had led to the introduction of the measure.
§ The DUKE of RICHMONDsuggested that the most effectual means of preventing bribery at elections would be the prosecution by the law officers of the Crown of agents and others who were discovered to be guilty of illegal practices.
LORD BROUGHAMthought that the suspension of the writ in such cases as the present was an improper course to be taken, because the borough was thus left unrepresented, while it was contending for political life or death. At such a juncture it should not be left without representatives, though, if found guilty of corruption, it might be disfranchised for the future.
§ LORD REDESDALEsaid, that the course which the noble Lord proposed to pursue appeared to him to be, under the circumstances, free from objection.
§ Bill read 2a.