§ COLONEL SIBTHORProse to put one or two questions to the noble Lord at the head of the Government, and his right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer. There was a report that 14,000l. had already been advanced from the Treasury to the Commissioners for the Exhibition that was to be held next year. He wished to know if this were so, and if not, he wished to ask the First Minister of the Crown whether he was disposed to pledge himself that he would not propose, or sanction the proposal, either directly or indirectly, the issue of any sum of money, as well as the Chancellor of the Exchequer pledge himself not to issue or advance any public money for the purpose of carrying on the works for the proposed Exhibition of 1851 without the sanction of Parliament.
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, with reference to the statement made by the hon. and gallant Gentleman, that 14,000l. had already been advanced, it was utterly and entirely a mistake.
§ COLONEL SIBTHORPdid not say it had been advanced. He said there was a rumour to that effect.
§ The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERcould at any rate give it a complete and unqualified contradiction. As to any pledge, he must decline coming under any promise in the way proposed.
§ COLONEL SIBTHORPAnd the noble Lord?
§ LORD J. RUSSELLNo, I must decline.