HC Deb 28 June 1825 vol 13 c1408
Mr. Hume

presented a petition from lieut.-colonel Fitz-Simon, complaining of delay in paying the Deccan prize-money.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

explained some circumstances which, by taking this booty out of the general law of prize; and thereby causing a particular appeal to the lords of thet Teasury, had, of necessity, delayed the distribution far beyond the usual time. He eulogized the assiduity of the duke of Wellington and Mr. Arbuthnot, to whom the Treasury had referred the business for final regulation. It was not till the 1st June that the persons interested had furnished the list of claimants; upon which alone any distribution could take place.

Dr. Lushington

said, there had never been an instance in which the distribution of prize-money had been so conducted. No sooner were the duke of Wellington and Mr. Arbuthnot appointed trustees, than they took the steps the best calculated to cause delay. In all other cases, trustees of prize-money had kept up a constant Communication with the claimants. The parties had great reason to complain of the contempt and disregard shown to them by the duke, whose conduct, especially in the impudent letters sent by him in answer to sir T. Hislop, .one of the chief claimants, was contrary to all precedent. He knew the facts of this case, having professionally advised with many of the parties. He put it to ministers to say, if there was not at one time an intention of appointing the son of Mr. Arbuthnot as agent; and if that intention had not been put aside upon an opinion given by the law officers of the Crown against the legal capacity of the young gentleman to discharge that duty.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

begged to say, that the son of Mr. Arbuthnot was never appointed an agent in this case.

The Attorney-General

said, that as the Crown had relinquished its share of the prize-money in favour of the army, it had a right to appoint what trustees it pleased for the management of the property. The trustees had been extremely anxious to effect the distribution, and nothing but the complexity of the business had led to the delay.

Ordered to lie on the table.