Sitting of 5 April 1815

ESCAPE OF BUONAPARTE FROM ELBA.
Mr. Fremantlerepeated the question which he had put yesterday, whether any and what instructions had been given to our officers in the Mediterranean, to prevent the departure of Buonaparté from the island of Elba?
Lord Castlereaghreplied, that no other instructions had been given than to make such a distribution of our force as might serve to confine Napoleon at Elba. There was certainly an understanding with our officer stationed at Elba, that Napoleon was to be confined within certain limits, and that he should not be allowed to exceed those limits.
Mr. Fremantleasked, whether there had been any instructions sent to our naval officers upon this subject, and whether the noble lord had any objection to produce a copy of those instructions?
Lord Castlereaghsaid, there was no positive instruction, but an understanding.
Mr. Tierneyinquired, whether it was to be understood, that no precautionary measures had been issued to our officers to prevent Buonaparté from going to any part of the world he thought proper?
Lord Castlereaghdeclined to say any thing farther upon this subject at present, as there would be ample opportunity of discussing it—and from that discussion he would not be found to shrink.
Mr. Wynnobserved, that upon examining the papers laid on the table, he did pot find any copy of that signed by the noble lord, with regard to the stipulations upon Buonaparté's abdication, and he wished to know whether the noble lord had any objection to have this paper laid before the House, as it was desirable to have it officially?
Lord Castlereaghsaid, that he had no objection whatever to the production of the paper alluded to, and therefore the hon. gentleman might move for it.
Mr. Wynnsoon afterwards moved for a copy of the Treaty concluded at Paris, on the 11th of April, 1814, between the Allied Powers and the emperor Napoleon, together with the accession of the British Government thereto.—Ordered accordingly.

CIVIL LIST.
Mr. Tierneyasked, whether it was the intention of the right hon. gentleman to move for a committee to
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investigate the accounts respecting the Civil List; and also, whether it was intended to invest such committee with the power of sending for persons, papers, and records, with a view to enable that committee to make a proper and satisfactory report?
The Chancellor of the Exchequerreplied, that it was his intention in a day or two to move for the appointment of a committee, upon the subject alluded to, but he could not admit the propriety of deviating from the usual practice on such occasions.
Mr. Tierneythen gave notice of his intention to move on Friday se'nnight, to refer the Civil List accounts to a committee, and to invest such committee with a power to send for persons, papers, and records, with a view to ascertain how the enormous expenses and debts, which these accounts stated, had been accumulated.