§ MR. HUNTER (Aberdeen, N.)I beg to ask the Chief Secretary for Ireland, in the absence of the Prime Minister, whether the Government would take into consideration the desirability—I might almost say the necessity—of the appointment of a Committee to inquire into the deplorable occurrence of last night?
§ [As Mr. J. MORLEY rose to answer the question, Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE entered the House amid Ministerial cheers. The question having been repeated by Mr. HUNTER.]
§ MR. W. E. GLADSTONEThat is a question which has come upon me 765 necessarily without the opportunity for previous consideration. It is one of very great gravity and very great delicacy. The only admission I will make to my hon. Friend is that undoubtedly these occurrences constitute in themselves a very serious fact in the history of this House. I do not think I ought to proceed further at the present moment; but if on Monday or Tuesday my hon. Friend will repeat the question he shall have the best answer which on consideration can be given.