HC Deb 15 March 1858 vol 149 cc176-7

On motion that the Indian Loan Bill be now read a third time,

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

With the permission of the House, I will take the present opportunity of stating the course which the Government propose to take with regard to a subject which was under discussion on Friday night, and with respect to which there is considerable misconception in the public mind, as well as in this House; I allude to the case of the Cagliari. When we accepted office our most serious attention was given, and naturally so, to that case, the circumstances being of a character—

MR. SPEAKER

I apprehend that the right hon. Gentleman cannot make a statement respecting the case of the Cagliari upon the Motion for the third reading of the East India Loan Bill.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

I will explain to the House in a single sentence why I have requested permission to make the statement now. The fact is that if I am not allowed to put the House in possession of certain information I shall be precluded from giving a satisfactory answer to the Motion which the hon. Member for Dovor (Mr. Osborne) has put upon the paper for to-night. At the same time I have no wish to violate any of the rules of the House.

MR. SPEAKER

If the Chancellor of the Exchequer will allow the India Loan Bill to he read the third time, the House will then, no doubt, give him an opportunity of making his statement.

Bill read 3° and passed.