HC Deb 12 July 1847 vol 94 cc189-90
MR. MACKINNON

said, that seeing the hon. Member for Wycombe in his place, be wished to ask him a question arising out of the speech made by the hon. Gentleman a few nights ago, in which he was stated to have traduced a Portuguese nobleman.

MR. SPEAKER

called the hon. Gentleman to order, and said that he could not allude to a former debate of this Session.

MR. OSBORNE

said, he knew what the hon. Gentleman alluded to, and he believed he could answer the question without having it put formally to him.

MR. SPEAKER

said, if the hon. Gentleman wished to explain anything in his former speech having reference to an individual he could do so, but not by way of answer to a question from another hon. Member.

MR. OSBORNE

said, that in the course of his speech in reference to Portugal, some evenings ago, he alluded to the Conde de Tojal, in terms at which a relative of that individual in this country, M. Olivera—a gentleman very much respected by all who knew him—felt much hurt. He had spoken of the Conde de Tojal as having been a defaulter in this country at a former period. It appeared, according to a letter which he had since seen, that the Conde de Tojal had been at one time engaged in the wine trade in this country, and that he had the misfortune, by the conduct of a partner, to become bankrupt. Some of his debts were of long standing; but having lately come into the possession of some property, with that feeling of honour which should belong to a Finance Minister, be paid off all his liabilities, and had now the good fortune to be the Minister of Finance, in the Portuguese Government.