The Chancellor of the Exchequerrose to make a Motion before the House went into a Committee of Supply, for which possibly some Gentlemen might not be prepared, and which others might attribute to motives that had not the slightest foundation. It was now his intention to propose, which he did with the greatest willingness and satisfaction, that Mr. Bernal be called on to resume his place as Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means. But in making this proposition, he must protest against a misconstruction of his motives, principally because it would diminish the compliment which he meant to pay the hon. Member for Rochester. What might have been the fate of another proposition he would not stop to inquire; but this he could say with truth, that he never contemplated any other arrangement with respect to the Chairmanship of Committees than that which he now proposed. He had witnessed with great satisfaction the impartiality, attention, and ability with which the hon. Member's duties had been discharged. There were many individuals present who knew that he (Sir Robert Peel) never contemplated any other appointment than that which he now proposed. He should merely add, that if the proposition were met by an unanimous vote of the House in favour of it, they would be only paying the hon. Gentleman a compliment to which he was justly entitled, and they would add to its value by the mode of conferring it.
Lord John Russellwas glad, that the right hon. Baronet had made this Motion, which he felt great pleasure in seconding. He only rose for the purpose of bearing his testimony to the great merits of Mr. Bernal, who he was sure would discharge his duties in future as he had 486 always done heretofore, with strict impartiality, and so efficiently as to deserve the continued and unanimous approbation of the House.
The House went into Committee, and Mr. Bernal took the Chair amidst much cheering.
The Chairmanhaving read that part of the King's Speech which related to the estimates and was addressed to the House of Commons, put the question, "that a Supply be granted to his Majesty."
§ Motion agreed to, and the House resumed.