Lord John RussellI wish merely to address a very 937 few words to the right hon. Gentleman opposite, and the House in general. The House is aware that there is a Motion of very great importance relative to the Irish Church, which now stands on the Order-book for the 23rd of March; that Motion has derived particular importance from the very handsome manner in which the hon. Member for St. Alban's (Mr. Ward) has behaved with reference to it, by consenting to leave it entirely in my hands. On giving notice of the Motion originally, I stated my expectation that before the time for which I fixed it, the first Report of the Commission of Public Instruction (Ireland) would be laid on the Table of the House. I beg to ask the right hon. Gentleman opposite, if he can now let me know, or inform me, whether this is likely to be the case, because I have been since informed that there are some doubts whether any Report whatever from those Commissioners, will be laid on the Table of the House by that time. I have no doubt, whatever, that when any Report does arrive, the right hon. Baronet will have no difficulty in laying it immediately on the Table of the House. Now, Sir, with respect to my Motion, I beg to state that I fixed it for a time by which I presumed the Report of the Commissioners would have arrived—not that I felt it necessary for the case I should be enabled to state to the House, but because I thought the House itself would like to be in possession of the information to be gathered from that Report, at the period when the question came under discussion. I beg further to say, that for whatever day I fix that Motion—whether it be 23rd of March, or a few days subsequently—for whatever day I fix that Motion, I propose to move a call of the House. I only wish now to know from the right hon. Gentleman, whether he can afford any information to the House relative to the time at which that Report is likely to be laid before it? and I am desirous of observing, in addition, that I am prepared myself, either to bring the Motion forward on the day I have already named, or fix it for some other day, that may meet the mutual convenience of all parties. I am willing either to bring it forward on the 23rd, or at any other convenient time.
§ Sir Henry HardingeIf the noble Lord had intimated to me, before I came down to the House to-night, that he intended to put a question to me, as he says, of great 938 importance, I should have made it my business to give him the most accurate information as to the day on which I may expect the Report of the Commissioners of Public Instruction. I have only now to trust to my recollection of a communication made to me about a month ago, when it was stated that the Commissioners intended to make their Report about the end of March, or the beginning of April. I cannot, therefore, expect that the Commissioners will have it in their power to expedite the furnishing of that Report. I can only say, on behalf of the Government, that no interruption or impediment has been thrown in the way of the Commissioners; on the contrary, they have received from us an expression of their readiness to afford them every facility. I must add, that whenever I am better informed of the precise day at which that Report may be expected by his Majesty's Government, the noble Lord shall be immediately informed of the fact.
Lord John RussellWith reference to what has just fallen from the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to say that I had reason to believe it was the intention of the Commissioners to make a first Report at an earlier date, than their general one. I have been told, likewise, by one of the Commissioners, that he believed there has not been the slightest intention of delay on the part of Government, but that several of the Commissioners have been unable to prosecute their inquiries, in consequence of the funds necessary for their furtherance, not having been supplied from the Treasury. In saying this, I wish again to express my conviction, that if there have been any delay, it has not originated from any intentional obstruction interposed by Government. I really wish to ascertain the sense of the House upon this question; perhaps I had better wait until Monday, to declare what day I shall fix for making the Motion for a call of the House, which it is my intention to submit. I have only to say further at present, that I intend to move, as an Amendment on the Order of the Day (whenever I bring forward the Motion), that the House resolve itself into a Committee of the whole House on the state of the Irish Church.
§ The Order of the Day was read.