§ SIR GEORGE GREYsaid, with reference to the Resolution proposed to be moved by the hon. Member for Liverpool (Mr. Horsfall)—
That in the opinion of this House the subject of Belligerent Rights at Sea is at present in an unsatisfactory state, and deserving of the serious attention of Her Majesty's Government.That it was a question of great national importance, but not of pressing and urgent necessity. His noble Friend, the First Lord of the Treasury, had been prevented by indisposition from taking his seat, but he hoped to be able to do so to-morrow. The noble Lord the Secretary for Foreign Affairs was also unavoidably absent that evening. He thought the hon. Gentleman would be of opinion that the question, if it were to be discussed at all, ought to be fully discussed, which could hardly be done in the absence of the two noble Lords. He (Sir George Grey) was authorized by the noble Lord, the First Lord of the Treasury, to say that if the hon. Gentleman would consent to posptone his 643 Motion, be would be happy to render him every facility in his power for bringing it forward at a future day.
§ MR. HORSFALLsaid, that although under ordinary circumstances he should be unwilling to postpone the Resolution, yet, considering that any discussion on this subject in the absence of the two noble Lords must necessarily be imperfect, he could not refuse to assent to the right hon. Baronet's request.