Commons Sitting of 21 March 1814

FINANCIAL ESTIMATES.
Mr. Arbuthnotpresented several Financial Estimates; on which
Mr. Whitbreadobserved, that although, in the present state of affairs, it was by no means his wish to provoke any discussion, yet it were to be wished that ministers would give some information to the House of their intentions respecting the supplies. At all events, he trusted that nothing conclusive on this subject would be adopted before the Easter recess.
The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, that nothing of the kind was intended; but it must be obvious to the House, that supplies were necessary to be taken for the public service; and all he should propose would be, to take such sums as were expedient for the different branches, whenever they might be wanted.
Mr. Whitbreadthen expressed his desire to know, whether it was true, that considerable sums of money had been transmitted during the recess to foreign powers our allies, without any communication having been made to parliament on the subject, or even without any fund being appropriated for that purpose?
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply, said, it would be in the recollection of the House, that various sums had been voted for the purposes in question: of these, there had certainly, been a considerable portion remitted. But he could not take upon himself to say that any sum had been sent beyond what was authorised by parliament.
Mr. Whitbreadrepeated his question, and received a similar answer.

MOTION RESPECTING AN AMNESTY TO SUBJECTS OF FRANCE.
Lord Ossulstonthen rose to call the attention of his Majesty's ministers to a subject that appeared to him of the utmost importance. At a time when it was known that the word 'peace' was so unpleasing to many ears, he thought that if we were now to conclude a peace with France, care should be taken that the country should not be reproached with having deserted those interests which were entitled to protection.
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In a former period of our history, it had been considered a reproach to the country, that the brave Catalonians had been deserted by us at the time of our concluding a treaty of peace with France; and now—
The Chancellor of the Exchequerspoke to order. If the noble lord had either risen to ask a question, or to give a notice, it was irregular to introduce his notice, or his question, with so many observations.
His lordship was proceeding with remarks on the present state of affairs; when the Speaker informed him, that there was no question before the House.
Lord Ossulstonsaid, it seemed to be the general feeling that a peace was soon to take place. He did not know upon what foundation this hope was built; but whether or not the expectation should be realised—
His lordship was again called to order by Mr. Bathurst; but there being a general cry that he was about to make a motion, he was allowed to proceed, without further interruption.—His lordship spoke at some length, but in so low a tone of voice that it was not possible to hear him in the gallery He concluded by moving, "That an humble Address be presented to his royal highness the Prince Regent, praying that instructions may be given to the plenipotentiaries at Chatillon, not to conclude any treaty of peace that does not contain an Amnesty to all persons subjects of France, for any offences of a political nature, previous to the signature of peace."
The Chancellor of the Exchequersaid, that the Address proposed by the noble lord embraced a political question of very great importance. He conceived, that his lordship had gone beyond the usages of the House in bringing forward such a subject without previous notice. He doubted whether the gentlemen on the same side with his lordship were not as much taken by surprise as he was. He would decline discussing a matter of such moment, and thought, that in abstaining from any observations he should best consult the common feeling, of the House on the present occasion. In order to get rid of the question of the noble lord, he should simply move the previous question.
The previous question was then put, and carried, without a division.

MARQUIS OF WELLINGTON.
On the question of adjournment being put,
Mr. Wynnerose, and said, he was quite surprised that the day had passed over, without any gentleman on the other side giving notice of a motion of thanks to lord Wellington for his late brilliant victory. Such motions usually came from men in office; but if they did not think proper to give such notice, it might then become the duty of some gentlemen not in office to bring it forward.
Mr. Bathurstsaid, that it did not follow, from no notice of such motion having been given on that night, that it was not the intention of ministers to propose such a motion.
Mr. Whitbreadsaid that this was, he could venture to say, the first time the House had met a single day after news had been received of a great victory, without voting its thanks to the hero who had gained it.
The Chancellor of the Exchequerreplied, that the gentleman was mistaken; as there were several instances on record of meetings of that House for more than a single day after news of a victory, without voting thanks to the conqueror. However, he would merely hint, that ministers had this particular motive for delay, that they had reason to hope very shortly to hear, from lord Wellington, of another victory, and other events equally brilliant.
Mr. Whitbread.—"You mean to club them both, then." [A laugh].—Adjourned.