§ MR. O'DONNELLasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, taking into consideration the condemnation of recent publications reflecting upon the conduct and motives of Members of Parliament, he intends to move for the punishment of the persons responsible for the publication in the "Standard" of to-day, and in certain other prints, of statements reflecting on the Parliamentary action of Members of the Irish Party? The hon. Member explained that the Question was altered from the form in which he had at first framed it. He did not complain of statements "reflecting on Parliamentary action," but of "statements of a very gross kind, attributing dishonourable motives," and so forth.
MR. GLADSTONEI can only say, Sir, that my attention has not been called to any statement in particular, and that we have formed no intention of taking any proceedings in this matter. I must say I think it would require a very strong case indeed to justify our taking action.