§ Mr. Whitbreadwas anxious to be informed, by the noble lord opposite, as to the situation of two very respectable members of that house. He wished to know whether that noble lord's gallant relation, general Stewart, still retained his office of Under Secretary of State for the War Department; and whether sir A. Wellesley still retained his office of Chief Secretary for Ireland? If not, be wished to be informed at what period those two distinguished officers discontinued to hold those situations?
Lord Castlereaghreplied, that general Stewart was certainly still in legal possession of his office, for which if any blame was attributable, it was attributable to himself (lord C.) alone. But he could inform the hon. gent, that from the moment that officer quitted Portsmouth, he declined receiving any of the emoluments which arose from his civil situation. With respect to sir A. Wellesley, he did certainly consider that he was at the present moment in possession, and discharging the functions of the Chief Secretaryship for Ireland.
§ Mr. Whitbreadmade a few observations on the inconvenience to which the public service must be liable, by allowing the persons holding such offices, and particularly that of sir A. Wellesley, to be so long absent from their duty.