HL Deb 22 May 1868 vol 192 cc693-4
THE EARL OF ELLENBOROUGH

asked the noble Earl the Lord Privy Seal, What was the cause of the delay in publishing the despatch of Sir Robert Napier?

THE EARL OF MALMESBURY

For some cause for which we cannot account we have received no recent despatch from Sir Robert Napier. There have been private letters from him; but he either has not written a despatch, or it has failed to reach our hands. The Government has been most anxious to invite Parliament to express its opinion upon the brilliant services that have been rendered by the army in Abyssinia, and the only reason we have refrained from inviting the House to do so hitherto has been the reason I have just given to my noble Friend. But I think it would be useless—and, indeed, I improper—to delay any longer a compliment to the army which is so richly deserved; and it is at present the intention of the Government to move on this day week a Vote of Thanks in both Houses of Parliament. Before I sit down I may mention, for the convenience of noble Lords, that it is my intention on this day week to move the adjournment of the House until the following Monday week.

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