Sitting of 1 July 1809

PAPERS RELATING TO THE POLYGARS.
Sir T. Turtonrose to give notice, that he would on Friday se'nnight move for the production of certain papers, relative to the Polygars. Being on his legs, he took occasion to advert to another subject, which was intimately connected with that to which his notice referred, namely, the subject of the Carnatic. Upon that subject he had, in the last session of the last parliament, moved for the printing of certain papers which were not ready before the dissolution, but which had since been distributed among most of the members, and of course they had full opportunity of becoming acquainted with it. For himself he could say, that he was quite prepared to enter into the discussion, but as a matter of courtesy he thought a noble lord (Folkestone) claimed the precedency, and as that noble lord's motion required some preparation, he could not look for a full attendance upon the question with which he meant to follow. He, therefore, could not feel himself able to promise the introduction of the Carnatic Question, in the course of the present session. However, if those who were immediately concerned for the noble marquis to whom these investigations referred, wished to have this question brought before the house, he could tell them that he was fully prepared to bring it forward.
Sir A. Wellesleyprofessed his anxiety to have this matter at once brought forward and decided. He begged the house to consider the time in which the friends of the noble lord alluded to had been kept in suspense. For no less than six years this question had been under the consideration of the house, and according to the manner in which those who undertook to manage it proceeded, it might be still six years more before they arrived at a final issue, during which the noble marquis and his friends were to be agitated by perpetual discussions, or rather by perpetual abuse. With such a consideration in their minds, it was of course the wish of all connected with the noble marquis, that the business might be determined as soon as possible. If, therefore, the hon. baronet was willing to prosecute the business, it was the wish of the noble marquis's friends that he should bring it forward at once.
Sir T. Turtonhad no reason for hesitating

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with regard to himself, for he was as much prepared at present as he required to be. But there was a precedency due to the noble lord already alluded to, which he could not discard. He begged, however, to have it understood, that he had no Wish for procrastination. The word if, used by the right hon. baronet, was by no means attributable to any part of his conduct in this transaction, for he had always shewn himself willing to proceed in the business, and no part of the delay that had occurred was attributable to him.