§ SIR FITZROY KELLYI rise, Sir, to ask the noble Lord the Member for the City of London whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government, in the event of a declaration of war against Russia, to adopt any measures having reference to private property on board neutral vessels, or to the searching of neutral vessels, or to the fitting out of privateers; and, if so, whether by Order in Council, or by instructions to the commanders of British ships, or how otherwise; and whether such measures will be submitted to Parliament before they are determined on or adopted. I wish to direct the noble Lord's attention 1274 particularly to this last question, because if there are measures in contemplation which may possibly be submitted to Parliament, I should be sorry to press for any further information in the meantime.
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLSir, there was a good deal of discussion upon this subject the other night, and the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Manchester (Mr. M. Gibson) made a Motion upon it. I then stated that the Government would be prepared before many days to announce their intentions on the subject. There appeared to be a general disposition on the part of the House to acquiesce in the view which I then took, and I cannot now give any further answer to the hon. and learned Gentleman's question than that I hope very shortly to announce the intentions of the Government.
§ SIR FITZROY KELLYWill the announcement be made before or after the course to be taken has been resolved upon by the Government?
§ LORD JOHN RUSSELLI think it probable it will appear in the shape of an Order in Council, or a declaration on the part of Her Majesty; but I am not sure that it may not be necessary to bring a Bill in Parliament also.