§ Mr. Wynnmoved that a new writ be issued for the borough of Newport, in consequence of the right hon. George Canning having accepted the office of First Lord Commissioner of the Treasury [loud cheers]. He also moved, "That the House, at its rising, do adjourn to Tuesday, the 1st of May."
§ Mr. Tierneysaid, that before this motion was disposed of—before the House was called on to adjourn for so long a period—he wished to put a question, of considerable importance, to the right hon. gentleman. He was anxious to ascertain, if possible, what progress had been made towards the formation of a new ministry? This question could not be considered premature, as it had been admitted, that forbearance enough had been shewn with respect to this subject, when, a fortnight ago, he had made a similar inquiry. Now that the whole Administration, except one, as he was informed, had thrown up their situations, it was not a little extraordinary, that the members of the House of Commons should at once be required to give up their legislative functions, and to abandon their duties for three weeks, while they were left in ignorance as to the 391 progress that had been made in forming an efficient ministry. He did not wish to take any step that would interfere with the measures which might have been adopted for the purpose of effecting that object; it was not his intention to embarrass any arrangement that might be under consideration; but he must say, that it was extremely reasonable for him to ask what progress had been made in the formation of a ministry, before he agreed to the proposed adjournment. He thought, that if, instead of adjourning to the 1st of May, the House adjourned until Wednesday next, the new ministry might be formed in the mean time, and the necessary information could then be communicated to the House. He trusted that the House would not part with its whole powers, until they had received some decisive information on this subject.
§ Mr. Wynnapprehended that it was usual at that period of the year to move an adjournment for a few days. It had always been proposed as a matter of course, and had been always so received. Undoubtedly some difficulties had occurred in the formation of a ministry; but an arrangement was now in progress, and would certainly be completed before the period of adjournment had expired. He hoped the House would afford sufficient time for the completion of so important an object.
§ Mr. Tierneyobserved, that the time for forming an Administration was just two months old. This, in his opinion, and in the opinion of others, was too long a time. He understood that it was only within these few days that a right hon. gentleman had been intrusted with the formation of an Administration. But, instead of its being formed, it was reported, that seven members of the Cabinet had run away; for what purpose, or to forward what scheme or cabal, they best knew; and he was equally at a loss to conjecture in what shape, or at what time, they were likely to come back. He, however, must say, as a member of that House, that he should be guilty of betraying his trust, if he abandoned his duty, by agreeing to so long an adjournment, in the present situation of the Administration.
The gallery was about to be cleared for a division; but that intention was abandoned, and the motion agreed to.