§ Mr. J. A. Smithbegged to remind the right hon. Baronet (Sir R. Peel) that on Friday last the Chancellor of the Exchequer promised to furnish additional information respecting the opium compensation question.
§ Sir R. Peelbegged to state, in answer to the hon. Gentleman, that her Majesty's Government could have no other object excepting that of reconciling these two purposes — to do justice to individuals, and at the same time to protect the public purse. It was quite clear that it was the duty of the Government to protect the public purse. They had therefore no objection to lay on the Table of the House the information which they had received from India I with respect to the cost price of this opium 299 at the time when it was seized. Before they proceeded to any adjudication upon the rights of the claimants, the House would he in possession of all the information, and be able to form a distinct judgment upon the subject.