§ MAJOR ANSONsaid, he would beg to ask Mr. Attorney General, Whether he indorses the opinion of his predecessor with regard to the criminal prosecution of Mr. Eyre, published in The Times of July 29; and, whether, in consequence of that opinion, and taking into consideration the fact that more than one ineffectual attempt has been made by certain persons styling themselves the Jamaica Committee, to carry out the objects they have in view, the Government will now undertake to defend Mr. Eyre against any further persecution?
THE ATTORNEY GENERALThe opinion expressed by Sir John Rolt, my predecessor, upon this subject, appears, from the newspapers, when I read it, to have been formed after his attention had been called to certain statements and papers 765 which were laid before him. Those statements and papers I have not seen, and it would not be right, therefore, for me to say whether I approve or disapprove the opinion of my learned predecessor. As to the latter part of the Question, I am not aware that proceedings either civil or criminal against Mr. Eyre are pending at the present time, and it would obviously be beyond my province to state what course Her Majesty's Government would take in the possible event alluded to by the hon. and gallant Member.