§ Lord John RussellThe right hon. Gentleman has given notice that on Friday next he will make to the House a statement of the utmost importance to the country—a statement not only as to the revenue and expenditure of the year, but comprehending also the questions that may arise respecting the trade and commerce of the country. Respecting the Resolution of which he has given notice, there may be more than two courses to be taken. Not only the Motion may be assented to in its present form, or dissented from, but, thirdly, an Amendment may be moved in the words of the present Resolution. Such being the case, and the whole circumstances being of so much importance, I wish to ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he proposes to take a Vote on the Resolution on Friday, or whether he proposes, after the statement being made in a Committee of Ways and Means, to call upon the House on a future day to decide upon his proposition.
§ Sir Robert PeelCertainly, if it should be objected to that the House should concur with the proposal to be made on Friday, I shall not press for a decision. The noble Lord has put a right construction on my intention; and in endeavouring to explain to the House the views of the Government with respect to the financial state of the country, I shall also state their views 345 generally with respect to the future commercial and financial policy of the country. Of coarse it will be of the utmost importance that the House should pronounce as early a decision as possible on any proposal I may have to make, and therefore I hope I shall not be pressed to interpose a very long delay between the proposal on Friday and the decision. If it is intended to take the sense of the House, I shall not press for a decision being come to on Friday.
§ Lord John RussellI think it will be convenient to take the sense of the House on the Resolution of which the right hon. Baronet has given notice. I should be very glad to give notice of any intention of mine, but that will depend on the course to be taken by the right hon. Gentleman, and I hope I shall be acquitted of taking any persons by surprise in the course I shall take on that occasion. Such being the case, I hope the right hon. Baronet will consent that the Vote should not be taken on Friday, and that he will name some other day for that purpose.
§ Sir Robert PeelI at once acquiesce in the proposal of the noble Lord. With respect to the period of Easter, I trust the House will feel the importance of proceeding with that business which may be proposed on Friday next with as little delay as possible. So far as Government is concerned, it will certainly be their duty to postpone the consideration of other business until the general views of the House with respect to the future policy of the country have been ascertained. But I have no hesitation in agreeing to the proposal of the noble Lord, that no Vote shall be taken on Friday next.