HC Deb 27 June 1805 vol 5 cc628-9

The chancellor of the exchequer moved the second reading of the duke of Atholl's Compensation bill, which was opposed by

Mr. Curwen, who alleged that the increasing revenue, which was one supposed ground of compensation, arose not out of the prosperity, but out of the misfortunes of the country, and that therefore his grace had not a fair claim upon the public. He moved that the bill be committed this day three months.

Mr. Fuller suggested the propriety of appointing commissioners to enquire into the facts of the case, and report thereon to the house before the passing of the bill.

Mr. Davies Giddy did not deny that the noble duke had lost most splendid honours, but he denied that he had sustained any loss in property.

Mr. Windham said that there was not the least. appearance of a case made out on the part of the noble claimant. By the natural and fair exercise of our own power, we had so diminished the revenues of this island, that his grace voluntarily sold his inheritance for what was then a full compensation for his annual loss of income; he was neither compelled by Mr. Grenville nor any other person.—The question was then put, and the numbers were for the second reading 50, against it 12, majority 38, after which the bill was ordered to be committed to-morrow.

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