§ 99. Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether any petitions to the Crown complaining of the conduct of Sir William Ellison Macartney, as Governor of Tasmania, have been forwarded by him to the Secretary of State for the Colonies pursuant to Royal instructions in such cases; and whether such petitions will be laid upon the Table of the House of Commons?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Mr. Harcourt)An address has been received from the Tasmanian House of Assembly, and it will be laid shortly before Parliament, with other Papers on the subject.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLHow long ago is it since the right hon. Gentleman received the address?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI do not remember the exact date. I received it in the ordinary course of post, after it was posted by the Tasmanian House of Assembly.
§ Colonel LOCKWOODIf these Papers are laid on the Table, will the answer of the Governor also be laid?
§ Mr. HARCOURTI am considering what Papers it is competent to lay.
§ Mr. SWIFT MacNEILLWhen may we expect the Governor's resignation?