HC Deb 06 November 1884 vol 293 cc1117-8
MR. ONSLOW

asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If, before a further Vote of Credit is asked for in connection with the operations in the Soudan, he will lay upon the Table a Copy of the instructions sent to Lord Wolseley, defining the relative position between himself and General Gordon, in the event of the relief of the latter?

MR. GLADSTONE

In replying to this Question I must refer the hon. Member to an answer given by my noble Friend the Secretary of State for War, who stated that he did not consider it desirable that the instructions to Lord Wolseley should be made public until he was in a position to act upon them. We still adhere to that—that it is not desirable to publish those instructions.

MR. ONSLOW

asked what was to prevent the publishing of instructions as to whether Lord Wolseley was to supersede General Gordon when they met?

MR. GLADSTONE

It is not in my power to indicate whether Lord Wolseley will think proper to act on these instructions. If we find it to the public convenience we shall be ready to publish the instructions.