HC Deb 09 June 1882 vol 270 cc660-1
MR. ASHMEAD-BARTLETT

asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Whether it is a fact that the British Government intend to press for a Conference against the opposition of the Porte; whether the Sultan has, propriâ motu, offered to restore order, maintain the status quo, and support the Khedive; and, if so, what necessity exists for a Conference; and, whether, in view of the injury to British interests which would be caused by the alienation of Mussulman feeling in the East, Her Majesty's Government will abstain from joining with France in further political intervention or pressure?

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

On Monday, in answer to the right hon. Gentleman opposite (Mr. Bourke); on Tuesday, in answer to the hon. Member for Portsmouth (Sir H. Drummond Wolff); on Wednesday, in answer to the hon. Member for the County of Wicklow (Mr. M'Coan); and yesterday, in answer to the hon. Member himself, I gave answers to various parts of this Question as far as was consistent with the interests of the Public Service, and I can add nothing to what I have already stated.

MR. ASHMEAD - BARTLETT

said, that if the refusal to answer the Question were grounded on the fact that it would be injurious to the Public Service, he would not press it further; but he thought there could be no harm in answering the first and second parts of the Question, which related to matters of fact; there might be some objection to answering the latter part of the Question. At the same time, he begged to say—[Cries of "Order !"]

MR. SPEAKER

said, the hon. Member would not be in Order if he renewed the Question which had already been answered.

SIR CHARLES W. DILKE

The first paragraph asks a question, not with regard to a fact accomplished, but with regard to an intention; the second ends by asking an opinion as to the necessity for a Conference; therefore, the answers could hardly be mere statements of matters of fact.

MR. ASHMEAD - BARTLETT

gave Notice that in consequence of the replies he had received, he should take an early opportunity of bringing the question before the House in the only way open to private Members.