HL Deb 30 June 1879 vol 247 c929
EARL GRANVILLE

I rise to put a Question to the noble Earl at the head of Her Majesty's Government, of which there has not been time to give more than a private Notice. A great man has passed away from this House and from this life. It required a singular combination of distinguished men and of extraordinary circumstances to build up the Indian Empire of the Queen. It also required an unusual concurrence of mental and moral qualities, much time, and unusual opportunities to build up such a reputation as the late Lord Lawrence has established for himself in the history of India and of this country. My Lords, I think that these are qualities which it is wise in a great nation to acknowledge. I wish to ask, Whether it is the intention of Her Majesty's Government to advise that any mark of public respect should be paid to the memory of Lord Lawrence? I purposely abstain from any suggestion as to the mode in which such a tribute should be rendered, because these are not matters of mere sentiment—they must in some degree be governed by precedent—and also because it is right that the Advisers of the Crown should take the initiative in a question of honours.

THE EARL OF BEACONSFIELD

Everyone must be conscious of the services of Lord Lawrence. They were eminent, and will be honoured and remembered. I understand that an offer has been made that his body should be interred in Westminster Abbey, and that that offer has been accepted by the noble Lord's relatives.