HC Deb 16 November 1882 vol 274 cc1557-8
MR. J. E. YORKE

On Monday next I will propose— That a Select Committee he appointed to inquire into and report upon all the circumstances relating to the release of Mr. C. S. Parnell, M.P., Mr. J. Dillon, M.P., and Mr. O'Kelly, M.P., from custody in Kilmainham Prison in May, 1882. Perhaps I may be allowed to express a hope, inasmuch as this Notice has been submitted to the right hon. Gentleman at the head of the Government and approved by him, that he will use his influence with his Friends on that side of the House, in order that they may abstain from opposing the Resolution, or that he will take care that I may have an opportunity of bringing the matter on before half-past 12 o'clock at night. The right hon. Gentleman will see, of course, that otherwise it will be impossible for me to obtain the opportunity which I desire.

MR. GLADSTONE

The hon. Member has referred to the terms of his Notice as having been approved by me. What has been stated on my part is that I shall not offer any opposition to it; but not more than that. I have my own opinion with respect to the terms of the Motion; but I shall not offer any opposition. With respect to the contingent engagement which he asks from me to prevent opposition, on that I must wait to see what happens. So far as I am concerned, or the Government are concerned, there will be no opposition to the passing of the Motion as an unopposed Motion. If opposition be intended by Gentlemen on this side of the House, I have no doubt they will make known their intentions, and then, I think, it will be time enough to give an answer to the Question of the hon. Gentleman.

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