Monarch

GEORGE III

Year

1791

Title

31 Geo. III, c. 36,

Description

An Act to amend and consolidate the several Acts relating to the Trials of Controverted Elections or Returns of Members to serve in Parliament.

Classification

Parliament - consolidation of Controverted Elections acts, 11 Geo. III, c. 12; 13 & 14 Geo. III, c. 15; 17 & 18 Geo. III, c. 26; 21 & 22 Geo. III, c. 63 repealed, no petition until 14 days after election, also no petition for 14 days after parliamentary session opens, petitioners to enter into recognisance £200 sterling within 30 days, also 2 sureties of £100 each, recognisance held by Speaker, petition not to be withdrawn unless seat vacated, Serjeant-at-Arms to go with mace to adjoining places and summon MPs, House called over if 60 MPs not present adjourned to next day, subsequent days' absentees called over and excuses allowed or not, if 60 MPs present names put into six glasses and shaken, Clerk to draw out of 6 glasses alternately, to deliver same to Speaker until 35 chosen, MPs over 60 can be excused if requested, and those involved or serving on other select committees, doors opened, list given to petitioners, petitioners alternately strike off names until 15, first drawn Chairman with casting vote, Committee can send for persons and papers, its decision is final 11 MPs being present, petitioners give 10 days' notice to charged returning officer, costs to successful petitioners, Speaker to direct costs [p]