§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he is in a position to give a day for the discussion of the Notices condemning our Military Operations in Egypt? The hon. Gentleman explained that he intended the Question only to apply to the Motion of which he had given Notice.
MR. GLADSTONEWe are not in a position to give a day for the discussion of the Notice. That Notice is a Vote of Censure on the Government, and it is not our opinion that it would be of advantage to bring on that Notice at the present time. In fact, we think the hon. Member himself would be ill a much better condition to make such a Motion, if he thinks fit, when the House meets at the regular time and in the regular Session than he would now, when, in all likelihood, after we have finished the Procedure Resolutions, the 20 House will be sufficiently exhausted. I think my hon. Friend will see that, as regards the Party opposite, it certainly would not be desirable that a Vote of Censure on the conduct of the Government should, for their purpose, be brought on in the absence of the right hon. Baronet the Member for North Devon (Sir Stafford Northcote). ["Oh, oh!"] I hear some murmurs. I am not giving that as the reason, because my answer would be the same if the right hon. Baronet were here; but I think it is an additional reason. The substance of my reason was given before. I see no advantage in raising the question at the present moment; and my hon. Friend knows that whatever respect we may pay to his views personally, the line of distinction is a broad one between a Motion of this kind, made on irresponsible—I mean on individual—authority, and a Motion made in expression of the sentiment of a large portion of the House.
§ SIR WILFRID LAWSONIf I can got 40 Members I shall go on.