§ MR. E. W. HARCOURTasked the First Lord of the Treasury, By whom are the expenses of guarding the tunnel between Dover and Calais to be borne, by the Nation or by the Railway Company?
MR. GLADSTONEThe question of the expense of guarding the Tunnel between Dover and Calais forms a part of the general question; and what, I presume, the hon. Gentleman desires is an assurance from Her Majesty's Government that they will do nothing that has any tendency to commit, directly or indirectly, by word or act, the taxpayers or ratepayers of this country to any expense, actual or contingent, in connection with the Tunnel, unless under the authority and with the full sanction of Parliament, and that assurance I can give him.
§ SIR HARRY VERNEYasked if the right hon. Gentleman would give the House an opportunity of discussing the question?
MR. GLADSTONEI believe my hon. Friend has a more sure reliance in this matter than upon any statement I can make, for nothing, I apprehend, can possibly be done except with the authority of this House; and whether I wish it or not, it is quite certain there will be ample opportunity for discussing the subject.