HC Deb 22 March 1837 vol 37 cc701-2
Lord Dudley Stuart

seeing the noble Lord, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs in his place, said he would avail himself of the opportunity of putting a question to him.—It might be in the recollection of the noble Lord, as he was sure it was in the recollection of many hon. Members of that House, that on the 20th of April last a motion had been made by his hon. Friend the Member for Lancaster, for an humble Address to his Majesty praying that he would be pleased to send a consular agent to Cracow. The noble Lord, as a Minister of the Crown, assured the hon. Gentleman on that occasion that it was the intention of his Majesty's Government to send a consular agent to reside at Cracow, and on the ground that such was the case had entreated the hon. Gentleman to withdraw his motion. The hon. Member in consequence of that assurance, coming as it did from a Minister of the Crown, consented to withdraw his motion, and accordingly did so. That was now nearly a year ago, and he (Lord Stuart) wished to ask the noble Lord whether any Consular agent had yet been appointed; and if so, when he was to proceed to his destination.

Viscount Palmerston

said, that the noble Lord had stated with perfect correctness the answer which had been given upon the occasion referred to. He stated at once that it was his intention to send a consular agent to Cracow, and such at the time had undoubtedly been his intention, but having since found that there would be considerable difficulty attending it, greater indeed, than he had then anticipated, he had altered his intention and had not sent a Consular Agent to Cracow, and it was not, at present, his intention to do so.

Lord Dudley Stuart

said, that in consequence of this most extraordinary contradiction on the part of the noble Lord, and of which he had now, in the hearing of the House, made admission, he would give notice that he should take as early an opportunity as he could avail himself of after the recess of bringing the subject of Cracow under the consideration of the House.

Viscount Palmerston

was quite aware of his contradiction. He had stated his intention of sending a Consular agent to Cracow, but he had been subsequently induced to alter that intention. When the noble Lord should bring the question before the House, he was sure he should be able to state reasons sufficient to show that he had exercised a sound discretion in having changed his original intention.

Subject dropped.