§ The Earl of Aberdeen, in presenting petitions from Scotland in favour of the non-intrusion principle, took that occasion to observe, that he had received various communications from different parts of the country, in consequence of some words which he had addressed to their Lordships on this subject, strongly remonstrating with him for advising delay in the settlement of this question. Now, that was a mistake. He never advised 1193 that any delay should take place. On the contrary, he blamed the Government for not coming to a decision on the subject. He did, however, say, that he considered precipitation to be worse than hesitation. There was no inconsistency in that. It was proper that such a question should receive due and serious consideration; but it did not follow that those who desired it to receive that due consideration were favourable to unnecessary delay; yet, from all parts of the country he had received communications blaming him for having advocated delay. When the noble Viscount had been questioned on the subject, he had only said that Government had not, at that time, made up their minds whether they would or would not introduce a measure on the subject. They had now arrived at about the middle of March, and he should like to know what decision, if any, the Government had come to. He hoped that the noble Viscount would not now, reverting to his (the Earl of Aberdeen's) remark as to the propriety of due consideration, convert the "ides of March" into the "Greek Kalends," but would speedily inform their Lordships what the intentions of the Government were.
§ Viscount Melbournesaid, he could not state that Government were at that moment prepared with any measure on the subject. At the same time he admitted the right of the noble Earl, and of other noble Lords who were interested in this question, to learn the determination of the Government with respect to it at the earliest moment, in order that if Government did not take it up, others who had considered the subject might do so. He should, therefore, take care that their Lordships, at the earliest period, should receive the necessary information.