HC Deb 17 May 1850 vol 111 cc232-5

On the Motion that the House go into Committee of Supply,

MR. HUME

objected to their doing so at that hour (One o'clock).

LORD J. RUSSELL

hoped the House would not object to going into Committee merely for the purpose of taking such votes as the exigencies of public business required.

SIR L. O'BRIEN

hoped the noble Lord would persevere in going on with the public business, were it only out of consideration for those Gentlemen who came from a great distance, and who otherwise would be detained in town in consequence of the Session being protracted until the summer was nearly over.

MR. HUME

would always object to voting money after Twelve o'clock.

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, it was very desirable that a few votes should be taken that night, to enable them to carry on the public service.

COLONEL SIBTHORP

would support the hon. Member for Montrose, for he had nothing to do with courtesy, and was adverse to going into Committee of Supply at that hour of the night. Many things in the estimates required to be strictly looked after, and, among others, he wished for some information about the sum expended on royal palaces. He read in the Times—a paper which he much respected, though differing from it in many matters—that they should be satisfied with the statement given in a return, that no more than 22,000l. had been expended last year on the palaces. Was that, however, a true return? He believed it was not. It was, no doubt, the sum expended in virtue of the votes of that House: but there had been a large sum expended besides— namely, the amount supplied by the Woods and Forests. This was not included; and therefore he denounced it as an underhand proceeding.

The House then went into Committee, and the following votes were agreed to:—

  1. (1.) 50,000l., Civil Contingencies, on account.
  2. (2.) 50,000l., Stationery, Printing, &c., on account.
  3. (3.) 50,000l., New Houses of Parliament, on account.

Mr. B. OSBORNE

asked in what manner the latter sum was to be applied?

The CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER

said, that certain charges were outstanding which it was desirable should be paid forthwith. He had not the slightest wish to avoid a discussion on the subject; but he hoped the hon. Gentleman would put off the Motion of which he had given notice relating to it till Friday next, when he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) should be glad that the discussion should take place, as much misapprehension at present prevailed respecting this matter.

The House resumed.

Resolutions to be reported on Thursday next.