HC Deb 06 February 1824 vol 10 cc102-3
Lord Nugent

observed, that since the House had, I by agreeing to the address to his majesty, I sanctioned the policy which government had adopted with regard to Spain, he thought they ought to be put in possession of the means of judging how far that policy had been fairly carried into effect. For that purpose, he considered that the production of some papers was necessary; namely, copies of all the correspondence which had taken place between this government and sir William A'Court during the period intervening between the entrance of the French troops into Spain, and the surrender of Cadiz; and also copies of all communications made by the Spanish Government to sir William A'Court, during the same period, with his answers. He wished to know whether the right hon. secretary intended to lay those papers before the House, or whether he would consent to their production.

Mr. Canning

replied, that he did not intend to lay the papers alluded to upon the table, and that his vote, if they were moved for, must depend upon the case which the noble lord might make out for their production.

Lord Nugent

then gave notice, that on Thursday next he would submit a motion on the conduct of ministers with respect to the late war in Spain, and with reference to their professed neutrality.