§ MR. SEXTONasked the First Lord of the Treasury, Whether he will move, or assent to a Motion, for a Select Committee to inquire into the nature, character, and tendency of the Orange Society, and with power to send for persons, papers, and records?
MR. GLADSTONESir, Her Majesty's Government could not, I think, under any circumstances, have assented to, or made, a Motion of so wide a character as that alluded to in the Question of the hon. Gentleman, even if they had deemed that an inquiry by a Select Committee was the best course to take; but, viewing all the circumstances of the case, what they are prepared to do is 92 this—the Executive will, in the first place, use the best means in its power for ascertaining exactly the facts alleged or suggested by the hon. Member, and any other facts bearing upon them. When they have done that, of course, the result will be made known to the House, and hon. Members will be able to form a judgment upon the whole subject, and take such steps as they may think fit.
§ MR. SEXTONI beg to give Notice that, if the result of these inquiries is not satisfactory, I will call the attention of the House to the facts alleged in my Question, and move for such a Select Committee as I have described.