ANNUITIES TO LORD LYNEDOCK, &c. (Hansard, 20 May 1814)

The Chancellor of the Exchequer
moved the order of the day for taking into further consideration the Resolution for granting an annuity of 2,000l. per annum to lord Lynedock.
In the committee, the right hon. gentleman stated, that it had been usual to confine grants of this description to three successive lives; but as it was felt that the fourth nobleman in succession, unless some fortuitous circumstance occurred, might be totally unable to uphold the necessary splendour of his situation, it was deemed advisable to render the annuity, as in the case of the duke of Wellington, co-extensive with the title. It was not intended to increase the sum already voted to these gallant officers; in the present state of the finances of the country, as much had been done, as a just sense of public œconomy would admit. He then moved, "That an annual sum of 2,000l. should be granted to his Majesty out of the Consolidated Fund, to be laid out in the most beneficial manner for Thomas lord Lynedock, and those who succeeded him in the title."

§ Mr. W. Smith
approved of the principle of not giving too large and extensive pensions, with the peerage: the latter was in itself a great reward. It was not necessary that a man who had raised himself to nobility by his exploits, should live in the same style of splendour as one who had not such exploits to adorn his situating. It was the more advisable to be cautions on this subject, as in every war we might expect that there would be several in 991 stances where similar rewards would be necessary.

§ Sir C. Monck
said a few words, coinciding with the Resolution as it was now altered.

§ Mr. Stuart Wortley
objected to the creation of peers, if the finances of the country were not competent to furnish them with adequate pensions. Persons so created might, perhaps, for their own lives, be able to support their dignity and independence; but the inevitable consequence must be, that their descendants in some generations must look to the existing government for maintenance and protection.
After a few words from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Resolution was agreed to, conferring 2,000l. annually on lord Lynedock and his heirs male.