§ Sir E. Knatchbullwas desirous of asking the noble Lord a question with respect to the Adjournment for the holidays. He did not wish to embarrass the noble Lord, but it was of great importance to hon. Members, with reference both to private bills and to election petitions, to know when it was intended to move the Adjournment, and for what length of time.
§ Lord Palmerstonanswered, that the day of Adjournment must depend upon the progress of public business. As far as he was able to judge, he thought that the Adjournment might probably take place about the 16th inst. It was impossible for him, however, to state the precise day. What the probable length of the Adjournment might be he could not exactly say. He was sure that it must be generally felt, that in the existing state of the country the presence of hon. Gentlemen for a time in their respective counties was exceedingly desirable; and that they would be almost more useful there than in their places in that House. It was also expedient that the Members of his Majesty's Government should have the means of looking round them, and arranging the various measures which it would be their duty to propose to Parliament. It was probable, therefore, that the Adjournment would be for as long a period as was consistent with the practice of the House.
§ The House resumed.