HC Deb 23 March 1865 vol 178 c83
LORD ROBERT CECIL

said, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to leave to the several North American Colonies full discretion whether they will or will not join in the new scheme for a Confederation; or whether they intend to ask Parliament to adopt any compulsory measure for enforcing it upon those who may be adverse to it?

MR. CARDWELL

said, in reply, that the Government had no other intention on this subject than that which had already been communicated to the House. They had expressed their entire approval of the scheme, and would be ready, if it were adopted by the Provincial Legislatures, to propose the necessary measures with the view of carrying it out.