HC Deb 05 August 1850 vol 113 cc831-3

The House went into Committee on this Bill.

On Clause 1,

MR. HUME

thought that this legisla- tion was premature. More confidence should be exhibited towards Parliament. Besides, the Prince of Wales was only eight years old, and property might suffer various mutations in value before he came of age. There was Hampton Court, which was now used as a sort of barrack for decayed people of quality. He did not see why it should not be appropriated to the residence of the Royal Family. Marl-borough-house was used now merely for pictures, and there was no necessity for an Act of Parliament for that. He should take the sense of the Committee on the question of reporting progress. The time had come when, if they wished to promote economy of the public money, they must begin in the highest quarters. There was Kensington Palace and St. James's Palace, of which a whole range was still retained by the King of Hanover. These palaces should be used before grants were required for new establishments. He moved that the Chairman report progress.

Motion made, and Question put, "That the Chairman do now leave the Chair."

The Committee divided:—Ayes 56; Noes 115: Majority 59.

Clause agreed to; as were Clauses 2 and 3.

Clause 4.

MR. MOWATT moved the adjournment of the House.

LORD J. RUSSELL

hoped this Motion would not be persevered in. If these repeated Motions for adjournment were persevered in, it would be impossible to proceed with the public business.

MR. HUME

said, that stables could not be wanted for the young Prince. It seemed to be a mockery to vote money for stables for a Prince who was so young.

LORD J. RUSSELL

said, that his noble Friend the Chief Commissioner of Woods and Forests had explained the mode in which the Crown revenues were to be applied. The materials of Carlton-mews would be pulled down, and could be used for the erection of stables in Marl-borough-house.

MR. HUME

thought this was the commencement of expense and folly. He told the Government, and he told the public, that if they went on multiplying places in this way, it was a mockery to talk about taking care of the public money.

MR. MOWATT

asked the noble Lord whether these stables were bonâ fide stables for live horses, or for rocking-horses?

Amendment withdrawn; Clause agreed to; House resumed.

Bill reported; as amended, to be considered To-morrow.