§ MR. STACPOOLEasked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he can now state what decision the Government have come to with respect to the establishment of a Royal residence in Ireland; or, if not, when he will be prepared to state their views?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I readily acknowledge the zeal of my hon. Friend upon this question; and if there were any risk of the Government forgetting its duty, I am sensible that by his agitation we should be reminded of it. Notwithstanding, I have no decision to announce to my hon. Friend at the present time. I will repeat the assurance I gave him on a former day that, when the Government is prepared to announce its decision on this subject, I will not wait for the opportunity afforded by a Question for the purpose of making it known. I will venture to remind my hon. Friend that this is not like an administrative question lying within the province of a department, but is one that involves large considerations; and events of importance have happened within the last six or eight months which have thrown difficulties in the way of securing for it that consideration which it was otherwise our intention to have given it.
§ MR. STACPOOLEI beg to give Notice that on an early day I shall bring forward this question.