§ On the Motion that the House should resolve itself into a Committee of Supply,
§ Viscount Palmerstonrose to put a question on the subject of the claims of certain merchants for compensation, in consequence of the injury sustained by them at Portendic. It was a subject which had often been discussed in that House. He understood the Government of France came to an agreement to refer the question to the Government of Prussia, and that reference having been made, the Government of Prussia had now given its reward. He wished to ask the right hon. Baronet—and as he had not given notice of the question, he should not be surprised if the right hon. Baronet required time to give his answer—he, however, wished to ask him when the Government would be prepared to lay before the House, as he took it for granted they would do, the Papers connected with that subject? He said he took it for granted that they would do so, because not only had the matter been frequently under discussion, but it also involved doctrines on the question of blockade, which might be important to be known to that House. He supposed the Government of the King of Prussia had given some opinion upon those doctrines; and he should wish the right hon. Baronet, either then or at any future time, to answer the question which he had put to him.
§ Sir R. Peelsaid, that at an early period he should have no objection to lay on the Table of the House the official documents on the subject. The matter would shortly be brought to a close, and soon after the Whitsun recess he would lay the Papers in question on the Table.