§ Two Petitions against the East India monopoly were presented by lord Grenville from the corporation of Bristol and the merchants and other inhabitants of that city.
Marquis Wellesleywished to know about what time it was likely the East India question would be brought under discussion. He did not rise for the purpose of extracting from ministers any information on the topics connected with that 378 question, but it would be desirable to know from his noble friend at the head of the Board of Controul, in what shape it was intended to bring it forward.
§ The Earl of Buckinghamshirestated, that it was impossible for him at the present moment to give a definitive answer to his noble friend's question, as he happened to know from unquestionable authority, that the East India Company had not yet determined whether or not they would petition parliament for a renewal of their charter. Until, therefore, they had come to some decision on that point, it was impossible for government to determine in what shape the question should be brought before parliament. It was, however, of great importance that the subject should be commenced early in the session.