HC Deb 21 February 1820 vol 41 c1615
Mr. Brougham

said, that early in the session of 1812, he had moved for a return of the amount and application of the different monies received by the Crown, which were not under the immediate control of parliament. This was at all times a matter of great importance, but it was more particularly so at a period like the present, when new arrangements for the support of the royal dignity were about to be entered into. The funds to which he alluded were important, as they involved a considerable variety of influence and management. When he made the motion to which he had alluded, he was answered, that arrangements having been made by parliament for supporting the civil list, it would be improper to enter into such an inquiry, as it would be a breach of the terms agreed upon. But it was admitted at the same time, that such an inquiry might be made on the demise of the Crown. He had felt the full force of this objection. But now he conceived the period was arrived when such a motion ought to be made. Those funds had arisen to such an amount that they ought to be settled on a permanent and constitutional footing. He should therefore move for, "An account of the total produce of all funds at the disposal of the Crown, and usually deemed not to be under the immediate control of parliament, since the accession of his late majesty, distinguishing the monies arising from droits of Admiralty and droits of the Crown, 4½ per cent West India duties, Scotch revenue, and those from all other such sources not hereinbefore specified.—Ordered.

Lord Palmerston

brought in a bill for continuing the Mutiny Act, from the 24th of April to the 24th of June. After a short conversation, the bill was read a first and second time.