HC Deb 09 June 1868 vol 192 cc1334-5
MR. LAMONT

said, he would beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether Her Majesty's Government now consider that the criminal prosecution against Mr. Eyre has concluded; and whether they are prepared to defray the legal expenses Mr. Eyre has incurred in defending himself?

MR. DISRAELI

Sir, the first part of the inquiry of the hon. Gentleman as to whether the criminal prosecution of Mr. Eyre has concluded is one upon which I really cannot give an opinion. It is purely a matter of law, and upon such a point my own opinion would not be worth anything. With regard to the latter part of the question, I may say that, after the indictment against Mr. Eyre was thrown out by the Grand Jury, the Secretary of State, in accordance with an engagement expressed in the Despatch of his predecessor, dated February, 1867, that when the prosecution was concluded the Government would consider the question of reasonable expenses incurred by ex-Governor Eyre, wrote to that gentleman, and requested him to send a statement of the amount of those expenses.

MR. LAMONT

Do I understand the right hon. Gentleman to say that Her Majesty's Government will protect Mr. Eyre against further proceedings by the Jamaica Committee?

MR. DISRAELI

I must decline to give an answer to a hypothetical question. When the circumstances occur Her Majesty's Government will consider them, and be prepared to give an opinion.

MR. LAMONT

The Answer I have received not being what I was led to expect, I shall not withdraw the Motion of which I have given Notice, but shall postpone it till Friday.

COLONEL BROWNLOW KNOX

I should like to ask the right hon. Gentleman, Whether, in his opinion, Mr. Eyre is already protected by the Act of Indemnity passed by the Jamaica Legislature, and confirmed by an Order in Council; and, if not, whether it is the intention of the Government to bring in a Bill of Indemnity to protect him against further persecution by the Jamaica Committee or other persons?

MR. DISRAELI

I am sure my hon. and gallant Friend will, upon reflection, feel that a Question of this importance ought not to have been put without Notice having been given.