HC Deb 17 July 1856 vol 143 cc973-4
MR. ROEBUCK

said, by some mistake a Motion of his had been put on the paper for that night instead of for Tuesday next. It was as follows:— That the Under Secretary for War having admitted that, upon anonymous information, a secret inquiry had been ordered into the conduct of a general officer, this House feels itself bound to express its reprobation of such a proceeding.

MR. FREDERICK PEEL

said, he wished to offer some explanation on the subject.

MR. ROEBUCK

Had you not better defer it until I have made the Motion?

MR. FREDERICK PEEL

No; it is pressing. As regards the conduct of General Vivian—

MR. ROEBUCK

Sir, I rise to order. How can I answer the statement of the hon. Gentleman when there is no Motion before the House?

MR. SPEAKER

The hon. Gentleman can only make his explanation under the indulgence of the House.

MR. FREDERICK PEEL

The point, Sir, is simply this. Certain charges have been made against General Beatson in connexion with transferring the command of the Turkish Contingent, and they came to the knowledge of the War Office through—

MR. G. A. HAMILTON

said, the hon. Member was clearly out of order.

MR. LABOUCHERE

My hon. Friend simply intends to offer a personal explanation.

COLONEL FRENCH

I rise to order, Sir. This discussion is quite irregular, and ought not to be continued.

MR. FREDERICK PEEL

I only wish to say—

MR. ROEBUCK

—Order, order. Sir, I insist the hon. Member is quite out of order.

MR. SPEAKER

ruled that the hon. Member was out of order, and the matter dropped.