HC Deb 16 June 1820 vol 1 cc1103-4
Lord Castlereagh

rose for the purpose of moving the order of the day for taking into consideration his Majesty's Message, with a view to its postponement until Monday next. In making that motion he would take the liberty of expressing his regret that he should be obliged to move the further adjournment of this important subject. Whatever might have been the issue of any proceedings which had been entered upon in regard to this question, he had hoped that he should be able to have communicated it, without being under the necessity of proposing a further adjournment. But, from the peculiar nature of the case, he trusted the House would not call upon him, considering the situation in which he stood, to explain the circumstances which induced him to submit this motion. He trusted that the hon. and learned gentleman opposite would agree with him that it was not proper to allow this question to hang on any longer; and that on Monday next they ought to be prepared to tell the House what had been the result of these most anxious but inevitable adjournments. He hoped that what he had said would meet with the concurrence of the House.

Mr. Tierney

observed, that, now it was understood from the noble lord that there was to be no further adjournment after Monday, he would be the last person in the world to object to the proposition.

Mr. Brougham

entirely concurred with the noble lord in the expression of that great reluctance which must be felt on both sides of the House, that any longer delay should take place, unless a most absolute necessity were shown. At the same time, the delay which had occurred hitherto, he must declare; had been perfectly unavoidable. He took upon himself to say that neither party had been to blame; and that it was impossible to show a greater wish to expedite the business than had been manifested by both throughout the matter. He begged leave to add, his own opinion was, that beyond Monday next no circumstances, so far as human probability could anticipate them, would warrant any farther adjournment of the business. He would beg to say one word more: he entreated that the House would keep its mind entirely in the same stats that it was upon the first night this subject was broached; that it would consider that it stood now, and should stand upon Monday next, until the debate came on in precisely the same situation as before.

The motion was agreed to.