HC Deb 27 July 1848 vol 100 cc914-5
Mr. MONSELL

begged to put a question to the right hon. Gentleman the Secretary of State for the Home Department relative to the rumours which had reached the metropolis that day. He would only ask what accounts the right hon. Gentleman had received from Ireland?

SIR G. GREY

had great satisfaction in stating that he had every reason to believe that the alarming accounts which appeared in the late editions of the morning papers, and which were transmitted by electric telegraph from Liverpool, of an insurrection having actually broken out in the south of Ireland, were totally destitute of foundation.

MR. G. A. HAMILTON

said, that if in the present state of Ireland any partial outbreak should unfortunately occur, it was reasonable to suppose that very great excitement would prevail everywhere; and, under these circumstances, it would be the imperative duty of every loyal subject connected with Ireland to place himself at the disposal of the Government for the purpose of rendering himself useful either in opposing insurrection or tranquillising the minds of the community. He therefore asked whether it was the wish of the Government that Irish Gentlemen, and particularly Irish Members of Parliament having influence in Ireland, should leave this country and go to their own respective districts; and, if so, what course the Government would then propose to take with respect to Irish business in that House?

SIR G. GREY

replied, that several Gentlemen connected with Ireland had called on him in the course of the day, and expressed their willingness, in consequence of the accounts which had been published, to proceed immediately to Ireland, and render all the service in their power for the maintenance of tranquillity. Though he believed that the information transmitted by the telegraph was totally destitute of foundation, yet in the state of the country where this insurrection was reported to have broken out, he thought that Irish gentlemen of property, influence, character, and weight, could not do better than proceed to Ireland, and in their respective neghbourhoods exert themselves for the maintenance of order. Under these circumstances he was authorised by his noble Friend to say that the Government would not immediately proceed with Irish business.