§ SIR WILLIAM PALLISERasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether, in view of the fact that the Candahar debate has been deferred to suit the convenience of Her Majesty's Government, and also of the promise made by the Secretary of State for India, to the effect that Her Majesty's Government would be prepared to reconsider their views should it be proved that the retention of Candahar would materially contribute towards the stability of British rule in India, Her Majesty's Government will undertake that, until the debate on the subject shall have taken place in this House, no steps shall be taken that could in any way commit this country to abandon Candahar?
MR. GLADSTONEIn reply to this Question, I have to say that I am not aware of the fact assumed by the hon. Member, that the debate on Candahar has been postponed for the convenience of Her Majesty's Government. I understand there is no occasion yet offered when the debate could be taken. Her Majesty's Government are anxious to afford the first occasion for the purpose; but it is impossible, until we are extricated from the present engagements with respect to Supply, to give any distinct indication on that subject. With regard to the reference to the promise made by my noble Friend, I believe there is nothing inaccurate in the terms 1055 in which it was cited. Then comes the material part of the Question,
Whether Her Majesty's Government will undertake that, until the debate on the subject shall have taken place in this House, no steps shall be taken that could in any way commit this Country to abandon Candahar?With respect to that part of the Question, viewing the nature of the case, I must say that we cannot undertake to instruct the Viceroy of India to waive or postpone any measure which he may think is required by the state of affairs in reference to the Motion which is now pending in this House.