§ Mr. Humebegged to put a question to the noble lord opposite, on the subject of the affairs of Portugal. Rumours were prevalent out of doors, that a large armament was about to be sent out from this country to Portugal, and that additional corps of yeomanry and militia were to be immediately provided to do the duty of the regular troops, who were to be called upon foreign service. These steps were, it was said, to be taken in consequence of the recent political occurrences in Portugal; and the effect of the rumour was to be seen in the depression and fluctuation of the funds. It was for the purpose of removing this alarm that he rose to ask the noble lord, whether he had any official information from Portugal respecting the recent events to which he alluded; and whether there was any ground for the alarm which was felt in the monied market?
Lord Castlereaghthought it not quite regular, upon the prevalence of such rumours as those to which the hon. gentleman alluded, to put formal questions to his majesty's ministers. To encourage such questions would, he thought, tend more to perplex the business of the country, than to assist its course. It was most unreasonable to ask him to pronounce any opinion upon transactions respecting which he had at present hardly any information. He trusted the hon. gentleman would deem this n sufficient answer, in the absence of any official information upon the subject.