HC Deb 10 March 1859 vol 152 cc1676-7
MR. CHICHESTER FORTESCUE

said, he rose to move an Address for a copy of any correspondence between the Colonial Office and the Hudson's Bay Company with reference to the charter or to the licence of trade of that company, since the 22nd day of February, 1858, being the date of the last returns upon the subject. He believed the time had come when that information could no longer be withheld.

Motion made, and Question proposed— That an Humble Address be presented to Her Majesty, that She will be graciously pleased to give directions that there be laid before this House, a Copy of any Correspondence between the Colonial Office and the Hudson's Bay Company, with reference to the Charter or to the Li. comic of Trade of that Company, since the 22nd day of February, 1858, being the date of the last Returns upon the subject.

SIR EDWARD BULWER LYTTON

said that an important letter had recently been forwarded by the Foreign Office to the Hudson's Bay Company, that he expected to receive in a few days the reply to it, that he believed that would bring the correspondence to a close, and that he should then be ready to produce the whole of the papers.

MR. LABOUCHERE

said, he hoped the right hon. Gentleman would undertake to lay the papers before the House as soon as they should be ready, without rendering it necessary that any Motion should be made upon the subject.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that as soon as the papers were ready they would be laid on the table, by command.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.