HC Deb 13 June 1895 vol 34 cc1047-8
MR. WILLIAM REDMOND

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether a Governor has yet been appointed for New South Wales; and, if not, whether the appointment will be immediately made, in view of the strong feeling that the position of Governor should not be left vacant for so many months?

MR. G. C. T. BARTLEY (Islington, N.)

I beg to ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies, if he is now in a position to state whether any appointment to the Governorship of New South Wales has been made?

*THE UNDER SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (Sir EDWARD GREY, Northumberland, Berwick, replying in the absence of Mr. Buxton)

No statement can be made on the subject at present. But in regard to the terms of the question of the hon. Member for East Clare, it may be pointed out that the vacancy only occurred three months ago, quite unexpectedly, and that in an appointment of this importance many considerations have to be weighed, and it cannot be, and should not be, hurriedly filled up.

MR. HANBURY

asked whether the hon. Gentleman could give the House an assurance that one of the many considerations that would not weigh in this appointment would be a political consideration with regard to any particular seat?

MR. BARTLEY

asked whether the appointment had been offered to a Member of the House?

*SIR E. GREY

I think the question of the hon. Member for Preston needs no answer. I regret very much that my hon. Friend (Mr. Sydney Buxton) will not be well enough to be present this week, and in his absence I cannot make any further statement.