§ 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.