§ MR. KENDALL moved, that there be laid before the House a copy of recent correspondence [1852 and 1853] between the Duchy of Cornwall and the Woods and Forests, on the subject of the rights of the Duchy in the county of Cornwall.
§ MR. J. WILSONsaid, he considered this a most improper return to grant in its present shape, as it called for the whole correspondence between the Duchy and Woods and Forests, without defining any particular subject, or any particular correspondence. The correspondence was not only bulky, but, also, would be extremely inconvenient to be produced, as bringing before the public matters which were still under consideration, the settlement of which might thus be materially impeded. If the hon. Gentleman would specify any particular correspondence, if it were not objectionable, it should be furnished.
§ MR. KENDALLsaid, that five years ago a Commission was issued to define the limits of the rights of the Duchy of Cornwall and the Woods and Forests. Those limits were fixed, but since then a correspondence had been going on between the Duchy and the Woods and Forests to see whether the Duchy had not greater rights. He and others were, therefore, anxious to see that correspondence, and to know what was going on, but it was perfectly impossible for him to specify any particular correspondence, or he would have been most happy to do so.
§ MR. J. WILSONsaid, he thought that the reason mentioned by the hon. Member was quite sufficient to justify the House in 319 refusing this return. Plainly, the interests of third parties would be materially affected, and matters brought forward which were still under discussion, and out of which litigation might arise. It would, therefore, be extremely unfair to divulge a correspondence in such a stage which would have such an effect.
§ Motion negatived.