§ SIR DE LACY EVANSasked the First Lord of the Treasury what provision had been or was intended to be made for the widow and family of the late General Sir Robert Sale?
LORD J. RUSSELLdid not believe that any provision had yet been made for the widow and family of Sir Robert Sale. With regard to any intention of making such a provision, it was impossible for him to advise the Crown on that point without means being first afforded by Parliament to Her Majesty to enable Her to carry out such an intention. When sitting on the other side of the House, he certainly did state that there were several cases of this description which he thought were deserving 752 of serious attention. There was the case of the family of General Nott, for instance, and also the case of the daughters of General M'Caskill, who subsequently had received 50l. a year each. But at the same time he held that it was a matter for serious consideration whether Her Majesty should not ask Parliament, under certain rules and restrictions, for a sum that would enable Her to provide for the deserving relatives of these officers. Now he could not ask that in the present Session of Parliament, for it was not only necessary to ask for such a sum, but also necessary to bind the Crown with certain restrictions that would prevent its being given as mere patronage, or to persons who were undeserving objects. He could assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman, however, that the question should occupy the consideration of Her Majesty's Government. The noble Lord resumed his seat, but subsequently rose, and said, he found he was mistaken when he stated that no provision had been made for Lady Sale. He was not until now aware that 500l. a year had been granted to her; bat that fact would not in any respect alter the general spirit of his answer.