HC Deb 27 April 1849 vol 104 cc956-7

The House then went into Committee of Supply, Mr. Bernal in the chair.

LORD J. RUSSELL

said, that as he had undertaken not to bring on the Naval Estimates after 11, and as it was now past that hour, he would not now proceed with the Naval Estimates, but would merely ask the House to agree to one vote, which it was necessary immediately to agree to.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that the vote he wished to obtain at once from the House arose in this way. Some years ago, a gentleman of the name of Turner died, leaving, apparently, no heirs or representatives; every precaution was taken to ascertain whether any such heirs or representatives were to be found, and none appearing the balance of his property became escheat to the Crown, and was accordingly paid over to the Consolidated Fund in 1842. In 1846, however, a Bill was filed in Chancery, by certain parties claiming to be the next of kin; a writ of inquiry was issued, and the jury deciding in favour of the claimants, the court ordered the money to be paid over to them. It being thus necessary for the Chancellor of the Exchequer to perform the disagreeable office of refunding, the present vote was asked.

The question was then put, that a sum not exceeding 52,173l. 2s. 11d., be granted to Her Majesty, to replace the escheated property of the late John Turner.

MR. GOULBURN

said, that certain allowances had been granted to some attendants upon the late Mr. Turner, who was a lunatic, for the extreme attention they had paid him. He hoped the case of these persons would be considered.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, he was now proceeding under an order of the Court of Chancery, and had no further control over the money. Certain sums had been paid to the parties referred to before the order was made, and, as the order only applied to the balance of the property, these sums, of course, would not be questioned.

MR. BROTHERTON

said, that some years ago Mr. Samuel Ashton, of Hyde, loft 150,000l. to be paid over towards liquidating the national debt. Had the Government received this money?

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, he was not prepared with an answer to the question.

MR. ROUNDELL PALMER

said, the hon. Gentleman need not trouble himself about the money, it was quite safe in Chancery.

Vote agreed to.

Resolution to be reported to-morrow.

House resumed.