§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked the First Lord of the Treasury, in view of the fact that, on the 3rd of April last year, the honourable Member for Manchester was permitted by the House to withdraw his Motion relative to the Congo Treaty, on the distinct understanding that facilities would be given by the Government for its discussion, Whether he can now renew the assurance then given by him, in these words—
The pledge he had given was well understood, and if they (the Government) availed themselves of the crowded state of business, for 1508 the purpose of escaping discussion, they would be guilty of violating that pledge?
MR. GLADSTONEI am at a loss to know why this Question is put after the answer given the other day, which appears to me to completely cover it. I believe the words quoted in the Question are accurately quoted, and I have no doubt they were words used by me. On referring to a previous debate I see that what we engaged for was the allowing of adequate opportunity for discussion, and I said nothing with reference to giving facilities.