§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERSir, since I last had the honour of addressing the House, the majority of the Cabinet having resolved to recur to their original policy with respect to the borough franchise and to establish it, in their belief, upon a sure, extensive, and permanent basis, I deeply regret to say that three of our Colleagues have felt under the necessity of tendering their resignations, which have been accepted, and they hold their seats only until their successors are appointed. I still more regret to say that 1310 among them is one whose name I am sure will ever be mentioned in this House with honour and regard—my right hon. and gallant Friend the Secretary of State for War (General Peel). I need not refer to his readiness and personal wish to have the opportunity of explaining to the House those Estimates and that policy which he has recommended to his Colleagues, and which they have adopted and sanctioned. I am sure that neither myself nor any of his late Colleagues for a moment wish to stand in the way or to take objections to his doing so, and I hope that my right hon. Friend, as still Secretary for War, may have the opportunity which he desires. But I have to tell the House that arrangements have been suggested which, when they have been submitted for Her Majesty's pleasure and have been sanctioned by her approbation, will allow me to state that the Government of Lord Derby is complete, and I believe it will be in my power to make that announcement on Friday. Perhaps the House will also allow me to indicate the course which Her Majesty's Government propose to pursue with respect to the Reform Bill. They propose to introduce it on the 18th of this month. They propose likewise to ask the House to take the second reading, if convenient, on the Monday following. There will then remain ample time for complete discussion of the measure. If the measure be accepted, as soon as consistent with the public business we can go into Committee, and I shallmake a proposition on the part of the Government that the House shall sit in Committee on the Bill de die in diem.
§ Motion, by leave, withdrawn.
§ Committee deferred till Wednesday.