§ Mr. STUART WORTLEYSir, I wish to put a question to the hon. Under Secretary for the War Department, of which I have given him private notice. I want to know whether, in addition to the Report of Sir John M'Neill and Colonel Tulloch, and the statements animadverting upon that Report sent in by Lords Lucan and Cardigan, there has been received also at the War Office a reply from Colonel Tulloch to those statements; and, if so, whether it is intended to lay that reply upon the table of the House, or to refer it to the new Commission?
§ MR. FREDERICK PEELThe statements of Lords Lucan and Cardigan were referred to Sir John M'Neill and Colonel Tulloch for their information, and a rejoinder was received from them, which it would be preferable to lay before the board of general officers, rather than before the House.
§ MR. T. DUNCOMBEMay I ask whether Sir John M'Neill and Colonel Tulloch will be present at the inquiry before the new Commission; and they will have the power of cross-examining any witnesses that may appear?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONAs the proceedings of the court will be open, of course those officers may be present. [Mr. T. DUNCOMBE: In their official capacity?] With regard to whether they will have the power to put questions or not that will depend upon the Commissioners, who will have full discretion to regulate the proceedings.
§ SIR DE LACY EVANSThen are we to understand that the Commission will cease to be an open one whenever it pleases the Commissioners?
§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONUndoubtedly the Commissioners will have power to regulate their own proceedings according to their own discretion.