HC Deb 19 February 1841 vol 56 c759
Mr. Hume

wished to save the House the trouble of presenting an address to her Majesty, and would therefore put a question to the noble Secretary for Foreign Affairs. At the commencement of the Session the noble Lord had promised to lay upon the Table of the House the papers connected with the late Syrian war. Three weeks had since passed, and he was desirous of being informed whether the noble Lord could fix any definite day when they would be ready? He was waiting for them in order to submit a question to the House founded upon them.

Viscount Palmerston

observed, that the time that had elapsed certainly might seem long, but there had been no unnecessary delay. The papers formed a great mass, and the severe pressure of the current business had, perhaps, in some degree interfered with their preparation. No time should be lost, but if he were to name any definite day it would only be mere guess-work.

Mr. Hume

remarked, that the delay that had occurred looked a little like trifling with the House, especially when it had been told that the object of the treaty of July had been attained.

Subject at an end.