HC Deb 21 March 1814 vol 27 cc337-8
Lord Ossulston

then rose to call the attention of his Majesty's ministers to a subject that appeared to him of the utmost importance. At a time when it was known that the word 'peace' was so unpleasing to many ears, he thought that if we were now to conclude a peace with France, care should be taken that the country should not be reproached with having deserted those interests which were entitled to protection. In a former period of our history, it had been considered a reproach to the country, that the brave Catalonians had been deserted by us at the time of our concluding a treaty of peace with France; and now—

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

spoke to order. If the noble lord had either risen to ask a question, or to give a notice, it was irregular to introduce his notice, or his question, with so many observations.

His lordship was proceeding with remarks on the present state of affairs; when the Speaker informed him, that there was no question before the House.

Lord Ossulston

said, it seemed to be the general feeling that a peace was soon to take place. He did not know upon what foundation this hope was built; but whether or not the expectation should be realised—

His lordship was again called to order by Mr. Bathurst; but there being a general cry that he was about to make a motion, he was allowed to proceed, without further interruption.—His lordship spoke at some length, but in so low a tone of voice that it was not possible to hear him in the gallery He concluded by moving, "That an humble Address be presented to his royal highness the Prince Regent, praying that instructions may be given to the plenipotentiaries at Chatillon, not to conclude any treaty of peace that does not contain an Amnesty to all persons subjects of France, for any offences of a political nature, previous to the signature of peace."

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, that the Address proposed by the noble lord embraced a political question of very great importance. He conceived, that his lordship had gone beyond the usages of the House in bringing forward such a subject without previous notice. He doubted whether the gentlemen on the same side with his lordship were not as much taken by surprise as he was. He would decline discussing a matter of such moment, and thought, that in abstaining from any observations he should best consult the common feeling, of the House on the present occasion. In order to get rid of the question of the noble lord, he should simply move the previous question.

The previous question was then put, and carried, without a division.