In the House of Commons on Monday Lord Robert Cecil
called attention to a letter written to the Times by Mr. Lea, Liberal Member for East St. Pancras, dealing with the question of honours and party funds. Lord Robert Cecil declared that the letter constituted a breach of the privileges of the House, as it amounted to a charge that the Government of the day amassed by discreditable means a fund which it then used for the corruption of the Members of the House. He desired that a Select Committee should be appointed to inquire into and report upon the allegations made in the letter. Mr. Lea read a statement in explanation of his position, and declared that his object had been to maintain the reputation of the House. The allegation that honours were bought and sold was not new, and as it had been made so often, the question should be inquired into.
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