HC Deb 22 May 1879 vol 246 cc1019-20
MR. MAC IVER

desired to ask his noble Friend the President of the Board of Trade a Question with regard to a statement quoted from a speech of the Prime Minister's in an article in The Times of to-day. He wished to say a few words in explanation of his Question, and, therefore, to put himself in Order, he -would conclude by a Motion. The Prime Minister was represented to have used the following words in reference to a previous speech of his own:— I said that while the value of our exports had fallen off, their volume remained unchanged. That statement was made upon official authority, and upon facts the accuracy of which no one can impugn. He and everybody who was connected with shipping would impugn these facts. He should like to know in what port of the United Kingdom the exports were as large in volume now as they used to be, and what was the character of those exports? ["Order!"]

MR. SPEAKER

I understand the hon. Member to be referring to words spoken in this House in the present Session; if that is so, he is out of Order.

MR. MAC IVER

said, he was referring to an article which appeared in that day's Times. It looked as if that statement was based upon something or another which the Board of Trade had supplied; and he was most anxious to know what were the ports at which exports were going out in the same volume as formerly, and what was their character? He maintained that they could not be manufactured goods; they were probably such things as coals, pig iron, and other materials, which, being sent abroad, would enable foreigners to compete with our manufactures. He did not believe the exports of English or Irish manufactures were large enough to justify the statement. ["Order!"] He thanked hon. Gentlemen opposite for the patience with which they had listened to him. He did not propose to put his Question now; but he gave Notice that he would ask for information on the subject on Monday next. He concluded by moving the adjournment of the House.

MR. SPEAKER

Does any hon. Member second the Motion?

MR. BENTINCK

seconded the Motion.

Motion made, and Question, "That this House do now adjourn,"—(Mr. Mac Iver,)—put, and negatived.