§ Mr. S. Wortleymoved for certain returns relating to the system hitherto adopted for the suppression of the slave-trade on the western coast of Africa. He had been informed, that there was no objection to their production on the part of the Government.
§ Captain Pechellobjected to the motion, The production of some of the returns connected with the number of vessels engaged on the coast of Africa, and the conduct of their officers could be considered only as an affront to the service of which he was a Member.
§ Sir G. Cockburnhad not the slightest objection to give every information on the subject, as to the force and number of the ships. The more the public knew of every proceeding of the navy, the more they would be satisfied with their conduct, particularly on the coast of Africa. He was j exceedingly glad the motion had been brought forward.
§ Mr. S. Wortleydisclaimed in the strongest language he could use any intention of casting a slur on the navy. His object was to ascertain whether this country had adopted the best and most humane means for accomplishing the great object it had in view. He doubted whether the Government had supplied the navy with the means which were requisite, fie had no motive whatever inconsistent with the honour of the service.
§ Viscount Palmerstondeclared, that both as regarded the naval service and the efforts of the late Government to suppress the slave-trade, the more the subject was inquired into, the better the case would stand. He was therefore quite pre- 92 pared to concur with the hon. Gentleman in calling for any information that could bear upon the subject.
§ Motion agreed to.