§ Order of the Day for the Second Reading read.
§ EARL GRANVILLEWith regard to this Bill, I may state that it is recommended to your Lordships' attention as being based on the general principle to which I have already alluded. There is not, however, a precedent for this, as was the case with the previous Bill; but I hope your Lordships, considering the great wealth of many individuals of different ranks and classes in this country, will not think £15,000 a year an exorbitant sum to give to, his Royal Highness, even during his unmarried life. This proposal is not intended to affect His Royal Highness's marriage, nor is it made in contemplation of any contingency which may at some future time change his position with reference to foreign countries. The younger branch of the Royal Family enjoy a singular popularity in this country. His Royal Highness Prince Alfred has been well educated by the late Prince Consort. He has visited almost every part of the world—in Europe, Africa, and America—and he has not only visited them but he has learnt and remembered much. Besides this he has mastered various foreign languages, he has acquired a considerable amount of scientific knowledge, and is as good a classical scholar as many of those who have received their education at our great public schools. I venture to think that these facts bear upon the feelings of respect and attachment which we all entertain towards the members of the Royal Family. I am sure your Lordships will have great pleasure in concurring in the Motion which I am about to make—a Motion which is in accordance with our common sense of duty, with the dignity of the country, and with the respect due to the Crown.
§ Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."—(The Lord President.)
§ On Question, agreed to; Bill read 2a accordingly, and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.
§ House adjourned at a quarter past Five o'clock, to Monday next, Eleven o'clock.