§ MR. D. CRAWFORD (Lanark, N.E)asked the Secretary of State for War, Whether his attention has been called to the fact that his statement in explanation of the Army Estimates appeared in The Times newspaper the day before it was delivered to Members of the House, and several hours before it was sent to the Vote Office; and, whether such an occurrence is irregular; and, if not, whether he can explain how it happened, and give any assurance that it will not happen again?
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. E. STANHOPE) (Lincolnshire, Horncastle)I take upon myself all the blame for any irregularity; but I can hardly tell how it occurred. It was not until I was most positively assured that these Papers would be circulated yesterday morning to all Members that, according to previous precedents, I directed copies to be sent to all the morning papers. The great pressure upon the printers, I presume, prevented a complete circulation of all the Papers, and I have to express my regret to the House for the occurrence.