§ MR. NEWDEGATEsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary for the Colonies, When the Papers relating to O'Farrell, consisting of a copy of leaves from O'Farrell's diary; a report of some conversations between the Colonial Secretary and the late prisoner, several declarations in the nature of affidavits in support of the genuineness of the Papers, and an explanatory minute by Mr. Parkes, in his then capacity of 31 Colonial Secretary, which documents had been presented to the Legislative Assembly of Australia, and which Papers the Under Secretary for the Colonial Department on the 19th of March stated he would lay upon the Table of that House, will be in the hands of Members?
§ MR. MONSELLreplied that if the hon. Member would move for the Papers they would at once be laid on the table of the House.
§ MR. NEWDEGATEAm I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman withdraws his promise to present the Papers?
§ MR. MONSELLThe hon. Member cannot, I think, have clearly understood my answer. The Papers are ready; and if he will move this evening or Monday for them, they will at once be laid on the table of the House.
§ MR. NEWDEGATEAm I to understand that the right hon. Gentleman declines to present the Papers on the part of the Government in accordance with his promise of the 19th of March?
§ MR. MONSELLCertainly. The Government have no desire to lay these Papers on the table, as they do not consider that any object would be gained by the adoption of that course. If, however, the hon. Gentleman desires to see them, and will move for their production, they shall be laid on the table.
§ MR. NEWDEGATEI will defer any further allusion to the matter until the Motion for going into Committee of Supply.