DEMISE OF THE CROWN.

HC Deb 10 May 1830 vol 24 cc530-2

Mr. Hume

said, that at that late hour he would refrain from remarks, and simply move for "Leave to bring in a Bill to render perpetual the Act 57 Geo. 3, c. 45, to continue every person in office at the demise of the Sovereign, until removed or discharged there from by the succeeding King or Queen of this Realm." The Bill he wished to bring in was similar to that passed in 1817; but that was a temporary measure, and his object was to make a permanent law.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

opposed the Motion, on the ground that such a regulation would be imposing a most invidious task on the Sovereign, as it would take from him the privilege, now appertaining to him, of not renewing the commission or warrant of an officer on his accession to the Crown; instead of which he would be compelled, in the event of this passing into a law, actually to discharge him from the service. The principle of the Constitution always had been, to leave the Crown as unshackled as possible on the accession of any new Sovereign; so that there might be the grace, on his part, of having conferred a favour on each individual that held office under him.

Colonel Davies

supported the Motion. He thought it was very hard that individuals like Lieutenants of the Army or Navy should have to pay fees for the renewal of their commissions on the demise of the Sovereign. If the fees could be provided for, he had no doubt there would be no objection to the measure, for the Chancellor of the Exchequer did not oppose it as a mere matter of form, but on account of the fees.

Colonel Dundas

thought, that a bill of that description ought not, at that time, to be introduced, and he would therefore move, as an Amendment, that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. Wynn

said, that the proposed bill did not stand upon the same ground as the bill it was intended to renew. He did not say that the object proposed was not a good one, but he thought the bill should be made prospective only. At present certain persons had probably a claim for the fees which the bill would take away, and he was not ready to deprive them of their right.

Colonel Wood

was of opinion that the fees were paid, not to individuals but to the Treasury, and the Treasury could have no desire to retain them. He wished the fees paid by the officers of the Navy and Army to be remitted, but he thought the bill unnecessary.

Mr. Hume

said, that the right hon. Gentleman had mistaken his object, which was simply to prevent the renewal of fees on the demise of the Crown. If that right hon. Gentleman would suggest some modification of the bill that would meet his own views, he would readily adopt it. He was willing to follow any course that was agreeable to the House, and that would attain his object of avoiding the payment of fees.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer

said, that he must object to the bill, though the hon. Member might probably attain his object by some other means.

Mr. Hume

had no objection to withdraw his Motion, in order to introduce a bill agreeable to the views of the right hon. Gentleman.

Motion withdrawn.