MR. E. POWER (for Mr. CHAPLIN)asked the First Lord of the Treasury, If he intends upon Tuesday next to move, That the House, at its rising, do adjourn until Thursday?
MR. GLADSTONESir, I believe that during the later years of the last Parliament there was either an engagement or understanding that for the future Her Majesty's Government would not bring its influence to bear upon the decision of this important question, so that it might receive the free and unbiassed consideration of the House. That is the course which, on the whole, we think would be the most desirable one to pursue; and, consequently, there will be absolute freedom of choice, not prejudiced in any way by the intervention of the Government, in regard to any proposal that may be made on the subject.
MR. E. POWERIn consequence of the answer given to this Question by the right hon. Gentleman, I beg to give Notice, on the part of my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Lincolnshire, that he will to-morrow move that the House, at its rising, do adjourn until Thursday.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONI beg to give Notice that I shall move to negative the Resolution.