Libel on Parliament

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1039, 1 August 1930, Page 9

Libel on Parliament

LABOUR MEMBER CENSURED Bribery Charges Unproved SOLEMN PROCEDURE IN COMMONS CHARGES of bribery and political misconduct brought by Mr. E. Sandham, a Labour member, against members of the British Parliament were not substantiated, and the member was solemnly censured by the Speaker of the House of Commons. Mr. Sandham was promised an inquiry if he would mention names, but he defied all efforts at conciliation.

United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Reed. 3.5 a.m. LONDON, Thursday The Committee of Privileges reports that Mr. E. Sandham attended and merely repeated his general allegations of corruption and bribery against Labour members of the House of Commons. They were unsupported by evidence, and he declined to give particulars for investigation. It was decided, therefore, that he has been guilty of a gross breach of privilege, and gross libel of the whole House, of which he deserves the censure.

Later the House of Commons, on the Attorney-General’s motion, agreed on the report of the Committee of Privileges, after which Mr. Sandham rose with a written speech in his hand, but Mr. Philip Snowden caught the Speaker’s eye. Mr. Snowden moved that the Speaker admonish Mr. Sandham for breach of privilege. Mr. W. J. Brown (Labour) said he had certain evidence to submit if there was an inquiry where witnesses would be protected. He pleaded

that a way should be found to investigate the charges. The Attorney-General agreed with that sentiment, but said he was powerless unless definite charges were made.

Mr. Sandham said in the absence of a guarantee of protection or of a judicial tribunal, it was too much to ask for names.

Mr. Snowden: If Mr. Sandham will make a specific charge, he is under no obligation to disclose his informants’ names. I will then submit a motion creating a Committee of Inquiry General. (Cheers.) Mr. Sandham did not respond to the invitation.

Mr. R. H. Morris (Liberal) demanded that if there was evidence of anyone having received money to facilitate the passage of the Money Lenders’ Bill the charge should be immediately made. The motion of censure was agreed to by 304 votes to 13. The Speaker, donning his threecornered hat, dramatically called on Mr. Sandham, who first stood and then sat and received the Speaker’s censure, a record of which was entered in the records.