MR. J. LOWTHERsaid, he wished to ask the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a Question, of which he had given him private Notice, respecting the position of General Gordon. Yesterday he drew attention to certain reports that had appeared in the newspapers, bringing down the news in regard to General Gordon to a later date. He wished to know whether the noble Lord could give the House any information as to the accuracy of those reports?
§ LORD EDMOND FITZMAURICEsaid, he thought it was only fair that when a Question, especially of such a large and far-reaching character, was going to be asked, it should be placed upon the Paper. So far as he recollected, the various reports which had appeared in the newspapers, and which had been referred to by the right hon. Gentleman, the Government had no information bearing upon them. It might save some trouble if he stated that if there was any information in regard to General Gordon which was of a sufficiently authentic character to be worth communicating to the House it would be communicated. But he did not think it would be respectful to the House that he should come down from day to day and make statements as to whatever gossip might be current.
MR. J. LOWTHERexplained that he had given a Notice generally, because it was no use putting down a Question upon newspaper reports, which might be contradicted next morning. His object was to obtain information from the Government, in order to relieve the intense anxiety which prevailed in respect to General Gordon.