HL Deb 10 May 1872 vol 211 c564
EARL GRANVILLE

My Lords, in reference to a promise I made the other evening—namely, that either on Monday next or before that day I would make a statement as to the progress of the negotiations with respect to the Alabama Claims, or present the Papers on that subject—I have now to state to the House that I am afraid we shall not be able to lay those Papers on the Table this evening, so as to have them distributed by Monday morning—that, I am afraid, will be impossible; but I shall adhere to my promise of making a statement on Monday evening, whether with or without the Papers.

THE MARQUESS OF SALISBURY

What arrangements will be made as to the Adjournment of the House? Is the question of adjourning on Monday still an open one, as was understood?

EARL GRANVILLE

I am not certain how that stands. I gave an assurance that I would do anything the House might desire and think necessary in order to give your Lordships an opportunity for discussing the statement I had made; but I see by the Minutes that Earl Russell has given Notice that he will move that the House adjourn to the 24th instead of the 31st.

THE DUKE OF RICHMOND

My impression was that the question of adjournment was to be left open till after a statement to be made by the noble Earl (Earl Granville) on Monday. If that statement should be considered unsatisfactory, then I think we were to have an opportunity of discussing the question between Monday and Friday. I think that was the understanding we arrived at.

EARL GRANVILLE

I am not sure that was exactly the understanding; but my desire was, and is, to do whatever the House might consider most convenient. I think that if a discussion should be thought necessary after my statement it would be more convenient for the House, and more convenient for the public interest, that such discussion should be taken immediately. I do not see what is to be gained by our assembling again on the 24th rather than on the 31st.