§ VISCOUNT PALMERSTONI wish, Sir, to make a short statement to the House with respect to the course which Her Majesty's Government have thought it their duty to pursue in consequence of the vote to which this House came on Friday night. I think it can scarcely be necessary for me to say that that vote led Her Majesty's Government to feel that there was only one course which they could pursue with a due regard to their own honour and with a due respect to this House. We therefore, on Saturday, humbly tendered to Her Majesty the resignation of our offices, which Her Majesty was graciously pleased to accept; consequently, we now hold our offices only for the purpose of carrying on the ordinary business of the country until our successors are appointed. Under these circumstances, I am sure the House would feel that it would be inconvenient that we should continue to meet; and therefore, as is usual on such occasions, I venture to propose that this House should adjourn for a few days. I have ascertained by private communication from a noble Lord, who, I believe I may venture to say, is at present engaged in constructing a Government, that it will be convenient that the adjournment should be until Friday next. I therefore propose that the House, at its rising, should adjourn till that day.
§ Motion agreed to; House, at rising, to adjourn till Friday.
§ All Committees to sit, notwithstanding the adjournment of the House.