The Earl of Winchilseasaid, he should take the liberty of asking a question of his noble Friend the chairman of the committee, for inquiring into the state of Ireland as to the cause of crime. He wished to know whether, that committee was likely to make any report to the House on that subject shortly? and he asked that question because he was anxious, that the 865 committee should not report at a very late period. He was desirous, that a report should be made as speedily as possible, because he was convinced, that the statements made before that committee, and the opinion which that committee must arrive at, were such as would justify the majority of that House in the decision which they had come to, and would satisfy the most incredulous, that that part of the empire was in a dreadful state—in such a state as required the most vigilant and persevering attention. He thought it would appear, that her Majesty's Government had not only neglected, but had actually deserted, the duty which had been imposed on them. Of this he was well assured, that whatever the feelings of noble Lords connected with the Government might be, a majority of that House would continue fearlessly to do its duty, notwithstanding the threats that had been thrown out, and the undue and unconstitutional exercise of the Royal prerogative, for the purpose of overawing that branch of the Legislature.
§ Lord Wharncliffesaid, the committee was anxious to bring the inquiry to a conclusion, and to report as soon as possible. He should be the very first person to propose, that they should report when the proper time arrived. It was a question with the committee whether they should make a partial report—that was, a report on one portion of the subject, or whether they should wait till the whole inquiry was concluded. They had not as yet come to a decision.
Lord Broughaminquired, as we understood, whether there would be any objection to place Lord Ashburton on the committee?
§ Lord Wharncliffesaid, that under existing circumstances, especially the secession from the committee of several noble Lords who sat on the other side of the House, he should much rather that no additional Member was named from that (the Opposition) side of the House. Considering the number of Members who had seceded from the committee, he confessed, that he would much rather, that no noble Lord from that (the Opposition) side of the House should be forced forward on the committee. There were abundance of Peers attending on the committee at present; and, without meaning anything discourteous to his noble and learned Friend, he could not accede to his proposition.
§ Lord Hathertonobserved, that there would appear less necessity for the addition of any noble Lords opposite to the committee in question when he stated the fact, that on the very last day on which it sat, of the seventeen present, he (Lord Hatherton) was the only Member from that (the Ministerial) side of the House.
§ Lord Wharncliffefelt persuaded, that noble Lords opposite would yet find it necessary, even at that late period, to make some addition from their side of the House, of Members who would attend throughout the proceedings.