§ MR. CREMER (Shoreditch, Haggerston)asked Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, Whether, considering the difficulties which have arisen in Bulgaria, and the possibility of greater complications arising therefrom in the Turkish Empire during the forthcoming Recess, the Government will refrain from taking any steps involving this Country in further obligations or responsibilities until the consent of Parliament has been obtained; and, whether, in the event of serious difficulties arising, the Government will advise Her Majesty to forthwith convene a meeting of Parliament?
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER (Lord RANDOLPH CHURCHILL) (Paddington, S.)I have examined the Question of the hon. Member, and I suppose I may say without contradiction that the Question as it stands on the Paper indicates that the hon. Member has no confidence in Her Majesty's present Government. He will also observe that if I were to answer the Question in the sense which would be agreeable to him it would indicate that I had no confidence in Her Majesty's present Government. Therefore, I fear my answer will be altogether unsatisfactory to him. All I can say is this—that in the event of the serious difficulties arising which the hon. Member appears to anticipate, but which I do not anticipate, the Government will act in a Constitutional manner, and will, as is their duty, and knowing their responsibility to Parliament, give such advice to the Crown as, in their 1125 opinion, may be best calculated to protect the interests of the Empire.
§ MR. CREMERIn consequence of the unsatisfactory answer of the noble Lord I beg to give Notice that I will bring on the question on the Appropriation Bill.