§ MR. CALLANrose to call attention to a matter with regard to which he wished to set himself right. He referred to a recent incident in the House, when attention was called to a gentleman who was sitting in one of the side Galleries making notes. A few days after the discussion his attention was called to a summary in The Times, in 987 which he was represented as having referred to a supposed indictment being drawn up against the Irish Members, with the assistance of the Chief Clerk. He did not make any such charge against the Chief Clerk; but he had said that there was a rumour that such an indictment was being prepared. He had received an assurance from the Chief Clerk—whom they all esteemed so highly for acting with perfect impartiality towards all Members of the House—that there was no truth in that rumour. Having made that statement, he begged to make the amende; and, on the part of those with whom he acted, to say that they, in common with the other Members of the House, entertained the highest respect for the Chief Clerk.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERI believe I may say, on the part of the whole of the House, that we are glad to receive the observations which the hon. Member has just made; because we are all conscious of the great services which are performed by the officers at the Table, and especially by the Chief Clerk. I am quite sure that all who know him, and who see how he has conducted himself in his important position, feel that he would be incapable of acting as was alleged.