§ Sir James Graham moved the third reading of the Pensions (Civil Offices) Bill.
§ Mr. Humeopposed the third reading of the Bill. He wished the Bill to be divided into two, to embrace the two parts of which it consisted. He recommended that, in all cases, each claim for retiring pensions should be brought before Parliament, and he objected to the pensions enjoyed by several persons who had filled Ministerial offices, but were now in possession of large incomes.
§ Lord Althorpsaid, that the coming to Parliament in each case would lead to extravagance, for, in a popular assembly, there was always a readiness to grant pensions in individual cases, although there would be much jealousy in sanctioning such as were left to the responsibility of Ministers. He was convinced, that the best system was to 143 leave the granting of retiring pensions to the Crown, under the restrictions contained in this Bill.
§ Mr. Hawessaid, that if the right hon. Baronet would exempt from the operation of the Bill those clerks who were in office prior to 1829, and who had, therefore, a claim to their pensions, he would withdraw his opposition.
§ Sir James Grahamsaid, that the modification of the 10th clause would answer that object; there had been a misapprehension upon this point. He thought the House must see, that it was highly expedient that superiors in an office should have that salutary control and check over those below them, which the allowance of retiring pensions under this Bill afforded, in order that reward might be meted out according to merit.
§ The Bill was read a third time and passed.