LORD ORANMORE AND BROWNEwished to explain why he did not at the previous Sitting bring forward the Motion which stood on the Paper in his name for that evening, with reference to the disturbed state of parts of Ireland. It was about a quarter past 6 o'clock before he left the House, and at that time there was a subject under discussion. Consequently, according to the time their Lordships usually sat, only an hour or so was left for any discussion on the subject. The reply on the part of the Government would probably have occupied some time, and there would not have been time for independent Members to express their views on the question. It was in these circumstances, and believing that the Motion could not have been adequately discussed, that he did not bring it forward.
§ THE EARL OF BEACONSFIELDI am sorry that the noble Lord did not bring forward his Motion yesterday, as there was a considerable attendance of Peers, and the House had a desire to hear the statement he had to make. As to the assumption that there would not have been time after a reply on the part of the Government for any independent Member to address your? Lordships, I believe, on the contrary, that an opportunity would certainly have been given to any noble Lord who wished to express an opinion on the subject. I think it is much to be lamented that the noble Lord was not in his place when his opportunity occurred.