But, from the fact that this Report was carried by the vote of the Chairman, thus showing a great division of opinion amongst the members of that Committee, the state of the law upon the subject cannot be regarded as satisfactorily determined. Under these circumstances it appears to your Committee that Mr. Bradlaugh should have an opportunity of having his statutory rights determined beyond doubt by being allowed to take the only step by which the legality of his making an Affirmation can be brought for decision before the High Court of Justice.
The House, by an exercise of its powers, can, doubtless, prevent Mr. Bradlaugh from obtaining such judicial decision; but your Committee deprecate that course.
Your Committee accordingly recommend that should Mr. Bradlaugh again seek to make and subscribe the Affirmation he be not prevented from so doing.
16 June, 1880.
LIST OF WITNESSES.
Wednesday, 2nd June, 1880.
Sir THOMAS ERSKINE MAY, K.C.B.
Mr. CHARLES BRADLAUGH, M.P.
Monday, 7th June, 1880.
Mr. CHARLES BRADLAUGH, M.P.