§ MR. RITCHIE, in reference to the answer given by the Prime Minister to his previous Question, wished to ask him if his attention had been drawn to a Resolution arrived at unanimously by the Select Committee, stating that although sugar refining was formerly a great industry in this country, it had, since 1864, gradually diminished, until in 1875 it became practically extinct?
MR. GLADSTONEreplied, that he adhered to the statement he had made. These matters could not be explained in a single answer to a Question; but he believed the paragraph in the Report which the hon. Member had quoted was founded entirely on the evidence of Mr. Martineau, which was of a conjectural character.
§ MR. RITCHIEwished to know on what grounds the Prime Minister based the statement?
§ MR. SPEAKER, interposing, intimated that the hon. Member had no right to ask the Prime Minister on what grounds he held certain opinions.
§ MR RITCHIEThe right hon. Gentleman said the Report was founded on the evidence of one witness. I only wish to ask him on what authority he makes that assertion?