MR. GLADSTONESir, in conformity with the Notice which I gave on Tuesday, I wish to put a Question to my hon. Friend the Member for Chelsea, as to his intention with respect to the Motion which stands in his name for to-morrow relating to the Conference now sitting in London, or, rather, relating to the conduct of the Government in having agreed to the appointment of that Conference. I think it is right I should repeat what I then stated—that we have reason to anticipate a speedy conclusion of the labours of the Conference, and, what is more directly to the purpose—but it is entirely for my hon. Friend to judge what course he may think most consistent with his public duty, that we ought to inform the House beforehand that it will be impossible for us to state our views completely, and lay the matter in a satisfactory manner before the House during the time when the Conference is sitting, and its labours are unfinished. I have also to inform my hon. Friend and other Members of the House that they will have some difficulty in obtaining a day for the discussion of Motions; but, of course, if my hon. Friend tells us that he considers it his duty to propose a Vote of Censure on our conduct, so far as depends on us a day shall be found for bringing forward his Motion.
§ SIR CHARLES W. DILKEOf course, in a matter of this importance, I am entirely in the hands of the House. The Question of the right hon. Gentleman is not strictly accurate. He states that my Motion relates to the Conference now sitting in London. My Motion relates to the conduct of the Government in having accepted that Conference. While the Conference was still sitting there were two discussions upon it, and the right hon. Gentleman has taken part in those discussions. At the same time, I am entirely in the hands of the House; and if it is thought that the subject will not suffer by being postponed for a short time, of course I do not object to a postponement.