§ MR. B. COCHRANE, pursuant to notice, 858 put the following questions: Whether there be any probability of the House of Commons being ready for the reception of Members by the Session of 1850? Whether it might not be ready if a larger grant were made for that purpose? What amount would enable such to be effected? Whether a great ultimate saving might not be attained by a more liberal grant during the present year?
MR. GREENEreplied to the first question, that the House itself might be rendered fit for the occupation of Members by the time named; but, at the same time, it would not be convenient so to occupy it until the library, offices, refreshment rooms, and approaches were finished. To the second question, he could only say, that it might be possible to get the whole ready if an additional sum of 50,000l. could possibly be allowed for the purpose. With respect to the last question, no doubt was entertained by those superintending the building, that a considerable ultimate saving might be effected by proceeding more rapidly by the advance of additional sums.
§ MR. B. COCHRANEasked, whether, as a great saving could be effected by additional advances, the noble Lord the First Minister of the Crown would not propose them to the House?
§ LORD J. RUSSELLsaid, that the yearly amount of grant was very much regulated by the income and expenditure of the year.
§ MR. B. COCHRANEasked if the noble Lord would increase the grant?
§ LORD J. RUSSELLsaid, that there were many buildings in which, no doubt, economy would be consulted by granting larger sums of money; but if 50,000l. were granted to one, and 100,000l. to another, the expenditure of the year would be increased in a way by no means advisable.
§ Subject at an end.