GOLDSMID'S ESTATE BILL.

HC Deb 17 April 1812 vol 22 cc450-1

On the motion for the third reading of this Bill,

Lord Folkestone

having adverted to the little attention which bad been paid to its progress through the House, expressed himself anxious to receive some information as to the grounds on which it was introduced. He understood that Mr. Goldsmid, at his death, was very much indebted to government, as well as to private individuals, and ministers had thought proper to forego the priority of right which the crown could claim for the payment of debts due to it, and remained content to come in with the other creditors. Had an extent issued, he was informed, the public debt would have been entirely liquidated; but by the course which had been pursued, the dividend would be only 19s. in the pound, the same as paid to the general body of creditors.

Mr. A. Baring

said, that Mr. Goldsmid's principal property consisted in 4,000,000l. of Omnium, which had been placed, as deposits, with several persons. If this had been sold precipitately, or to satisfy an extent, the loss would have been very great. He was possessed also of some real estate, but it was evident no person would become the purchaser of it, while an extent from the crown was hanging over the property. Under these circumstances, government had conceded their claim, and the Bill was introduced.

Mr. Johnstone

thought the third reading might be postponed for a few days, without inconvenience, to give an opportunity for the printing of the Bill.

Mr. Baring

had no objection to the proposition, if such was the feeling of the House.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

observed, that the printing of the Bill would give no information as to the grounds on which ministers had thought fit to give up the right of the crown to priority of payment. If that information were desired, he would Cheerfully accede to the production of any documents from the Treasury, that might be deemed necessary; but this need not be a bar to the third reading of the Bill.

Lord Folkestone

expressed himself satisfied with the explanation.

It was agreed that the third reading should take place on Wednesday next, and that the Bill should be printed.