HC Deb 10 November 1884 vol 293 cc1386-7
SIR STAFFORD NORTHCOTE

I wish to put a Question to the Prime Minister, of which I have given him private Notice. I wish to ask him, When he expects to bring forward the Vote for the Expedition up the Nile, and what will be the course of procedure with regard to it? Perhaps the right hon. Gentleman will also inform us when he thinks it probable that he will have to make any communication to the House on the subject of the Earl of Northbrook's Report?

MR. GLADSTONE

I have not had an opportunity since I received the right hon. Baronet's note of holding communication with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has been at Cambridge to-day in connection with a melancholy event; but I think that I am correct in saying that it is our intention to bring forward this Vote immediately upon getting the Franchise Bill through all its stages. We have not yet got the Speaker out of the Chair, and I should not like to-day to endeavour to estimate the time or to name a day; but we should be prepared immediately—we should hope to-morrow—to be able to make a forecast. We will do so if we can, and I will then also advert to the other Question with regard to the recommendations and the Report of the Earl of Northbrook.

MR. ONSLOW

In consequence of that answer, I beg to ask will the right hon. Gentleman consider further whether he will lay on the Table the instructions given to Lord Wolseley in regard to the relative position of himself and General Gordon?

MR. GLADSTONE

I do not think it is in my power to add to what has been already stated by myself and my noble Friend. I stated that I would lay these instructions upon the Table as soon as we felt that it could be done without practical inconvenience.