HC Deb 10 July 1835 vol 29 cc430-2

191,756l. was proposed for stationery for public departments, printing Acts of Parliament, &c.

Mr. Hume

remarked, that though this was a large vote, it was the lowest that had been taken for the last ten years. The House would be surprised to hear, and of which they would be put in possession within forty-eight hours, that nearly a million sterling had within the last ten years been expended in the stationery and printing of the public department. This was the first attempt made by Government to reduce this expense, and for that they were entitled to great credit. He could tell the House, that in Parliamentary papers and printing of 1833 and 1834, no less a sum than 31,000l. had been saved in comparison of former years.

Mr. Kearsley

I beg, Sir, to say a few words. I always said, and I thought that the hon. Member for Middlesex was a very salutary check upon the expenses; but, Sir, after carrying the vote that has been just now agreed to, I put it to you, Sir—and I say it, Sir—that the hon. Member's conduct is that of perfect humbug—[loud laughter and cheers.—I mean no unkindness, Sir, I assure you, to the hon. Member for Middlesex, for I always thought him very vigilant; but when the vote was put to the House for Secret Service money, to the amount of—I do not now exactly recollect the amount—but when that vote was put, whatever was the amount, I saw an hon. Member come forward, and check the hon. Member for Middlesex for his forwardness. I saw it, Sir!.—[laughter and cheers.]

Mr. Hume

I am afraid the hon. Member's optics are a little out of order, and that he sees double. I can only tell the hon. Member, that when I see the allowance for Secret Service money reduced to 36.000l., and when I know that it amounted to 60,000l., and if I know that upon that fund are pensions which could not well be dispensed with at present, and when I see Government reducing that fund every year, probably my confining myself to a protest against the vote may appear a humbug to the hon. Member, but it does not so seem to me. As to any person speaking to me on the subject, I beg to tell the hon. Member I would not allow any one to interfere with me. Neither the hon. Member, nor any other person can or shall dictate to me if I choose to make any observations in this House.

Mr. Kearsley

And I beg to tell the hon. Member for Middlesex, that no one can interfere with me, if I choose to make as many observations as I like. And, Sir, if there is an infirmity in my sight, and I cannot see, I am not to be ridiculed; and, Sir, if my sight is not so good, perhaps his head is not so cool. I do not wish to make personal observations, but I will not be put down by the hon. Member for Middlesex, whether he stands by the side of his right hand, or any body else. We are all, Sir, accountable—["Hear!" and loud laughter.]—Yes, Sir, we are all accountable, and the eyes of the country are open, and will see whether his conduct or mine is the most advantageous.

Mr. Hume

I did not accuse the hon. Member of having bad sight, but of seeing too much.

Mr. Kearsley

I tell the hon. Member for Middlesex he is out of his reckoning.

Vote agreed to.

Several other votes were agreed to.

The House resumed, the Committee to sit again.