HC Deb 11 August 1882 vol 273 cc1528-9
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

said, he had obtained by the ballot the first place on Tuesday for a Motion with re- gard to the Foreign Policy of the Government. He wished to ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the fact that everything which last August he affirmed with regard to the Foreign Policy of the Government had come true, and everything which the right hon. Gentleman asserted had failed to come true—whether, in view of these facts, the right hon. Gentleman would give him an opportunity on Tuesday of impeaching the Foreign Policy of the Government?

MR. GLADSTONE

If the Rules of the House give the hon. Gentleman the opportunity, I have no doubt there would be no want of good disposition on his part to carry out the designs he has just announced. We should be prepared to stand the consequences, and meet them as we best may; but it is not in my power to give him any other opportunity.

MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

Yes, Sir; it is within the power of the right hon. Gentleman to withdraw the precedence taken for Government Business.

MR. GLADSTONE

Now that the hon. Gentleman has disclosed the full extent of his intention, I must answer emphatically in the negative.