§ Lord Seymourmoved the second reading of Lord Keane's Annuity Bill.
§ Mr. Humesaid, that in the present state of the House, it was not his intention to oppose the further progress of this bill. Every thing which had come to his knowledge since the bill was last before the House, confirmed him in the opinion that it ought not to pass. The reward was disproportioned to the service. It was setting up a bad principle, and acting with gross injustice towards those whose services had been much more valuable. The committee to consider of the abolition of naval and military sinecures, had recommended that they should be abolished, but that a certain amount should be reserved for what were called good services; and that there should be laid on the Table a record of those service. Would the noble Lord lay the record on the Table, in conformity with the recommendation of that committee? When that was on the Table, Members would be better able to judge how far it was right that this bill should pass.
§ Lord Seymourhad no objection to lay on the Table every information respecting the services of Lord Keane; but he could not give any positive opinion in the absence of the Secretary at War.
§ Bill read a second time.