MR. ELLIOTasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether his attention has been drawn to a leading article in the "Standard" of the 6th of this month, purporting to give all the particulars of the Irish Land Bill; and, if so, whether such particulars are correct; whether they have been communicated exclusively to that journal; and, whether it is in accordance with Parliamentary procedure that the substance of Bills should be communicated to the press before the Bills are in the hands of Members of the House of Commons?
MR. GLADSTONESir, my attention has been drawn to the article in question. I am unable at present to give any particulars which will throw any light on the origin of the article. That being so, perhaps the hon. Member will repeat his question on some future day. The hon. Member for Dungarvan (Mr. O'Donnell) has also a Question on the subject; but what I have said is the only answer I call give at this moment.