THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1682, 16 February 1884, Page 10

THE IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.

(Reoter's Telegrams.)

London, February 6. In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone announced that the Government had ordered that measures should immediately be taken to reinforce the Indian . squadron at Souakim, under Admiral Hewitt, with a view of protecting that town on the land side by a force of marines and sailors.

February 7. In the House of .Commons last night an amendment was proposed to the report on the Address-in-Reply, being in effect a motion for a vote of censure upon the Government for its policy in regard to affairs in the Soudan. February 9. In the House of Commons to-day the debate commenced on the motion tabled by Mr Pamell for a vote of censure on the Irish Executive, but the discussion was subsequently adjourned without a division being taken. February 10. In the House of Commons to-day Mr Bradlaugh appeared at the table and swore himself in as a member, and then withdrew from the Chamber. When he had retired, Mr Gladstone rose and stated that if a motion were carried the Government would prosecute, and test the legality of Mr Bradlaugh'a admission. The Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Colonial Undersecretary, stated, in r^ply to a question, that no decision had yet been come to on the report of the Western Pacific Commission. The decisions of the Sydney Convention had, he said, materially modified the position of affairs. February 12. In the House of Commons yesterday Sir Stafford Northcote moved that Mr Bradlaugh be excluded from the House and from the precincts. The motion was adopted by a large majority. Mr Bradlaujjh was present during the debate, and voted with the minority,

(Spkoial'to Peess Association.) London, February 6. The dividion on the Right Hon. Mr Bourke's Addresa-in-Raply was entirely a catch one, being taken during the dinner-hour, when Sir Stafford Northcote, instead of speaking, as was expected, astonished the House by calling foi; a division. The amendment was lost by 77 votes to 20. Tho only notable feature in the debate was Mr Bourke's condemnation of the system of protectorates. The Address-in-Roply elicited no amendment in the House of Lord;*, and was agreed to after a brief debate, February 7. Sir Stafford Northcote has given notice in the ITouve of Commons of his intention to move on Tuesday next, the 12bh in'st.—" That the recent disasters to the Egyptian arms in the Soudau are the rosulte of the wavering policy of the Government in connection with Egypt/ The Marquis of Salisbury, in the House of Lords, has given notice of a similar motion, and the discussion is also fixed for Tuesday. February 8. In the House of Lords, the Marquis of Salisbury will move for tho appointment of a Commission to inquire as to the best means for housing the poor of London. February 9. In Parliament Minisbeivs have intimated that they will accede to Lord Salisbury's motion for a Royal Commission on the housing of the London poor. Mr D. Macfarlane,, M.P. for Carlow, has given notice for Tuesday of a motion in favour of the immediate establishment of a Protectorate in Egypt. Owing to the important "character of Egyptian affairs now, public interest is almost eutirely centred in them, and little attention id given to the domestic policy of the Government, The idea of an Egyptian Protectorate is widely and influentially supported.